Louisville, Ky. – Residents across central and eastern Kentucky face a dangerous combination of extreme heat, severe thunderstorms and flash flooding Tuesday, with the greatest impacts expected from late morning through Tuesday evening. Heat index values will exceed 100 degrees before multiple rounds of storms increase the threat for damaging winds, torrential rainfall and isolated tornadoes.
According to the National Weather Service in Louisville, a Heat Advisory remains in effect from 11 a.m. EDT until 8 p.m. EDT Tuesday (10 a.m. to 7 p.m. CDT in western portions of the forecast area). Peak heat index values are expected to reach 103 to 106 degrees in cities including Louisville, Bowling Green, Hartford, Jasper, Lexington and surrounding communities. An Air Quality Alert also remains in effect for the Louisville metro area and parts of southern Indiana through midnight Monday night.
As the day progresses, several rounds of thunderstorms are expected to develop. The Storm Prediction Center places much of central Kentucky under a Level 2 of 5 Slight Risk for severe weather, while areas near and northeast of Lexington, including Cynthiana and Morehead, are under a Level 3 of 5 Enhanced Risk. Damaging straight-line winds are the primary concern, though isolated tornadoes are possible.
Heavy rainfall will add another layer of concern. The National Weather Service says widespread rainfall totals of 1 to 2 inches are possible, especially east of Interstate 65, with isolated locations receiving more than 3 inches where storms repeatedly track over the same area. That could trigger localized flash flooding, particularly in low-lying areas and locations with poor drainage.
Drivers should be prepared for rapidly changing road conditions during the afternoon and evening commute. Residents are encouraged to stay hydrated, limit strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day, secure loose outdoor items ahead of storms and have multiple ways to receive weather warnings, especially if storms continue after sunset.
Additional watches and warnings could be issued as thunderstorms organize Tuesday. Conditions may change quickly, and residents across Kentucky should monitor updates from the National Weather Service and local emergency management officials.
