Boom! A stormy 4th of July, with plenty of heavy rain and high temps, headed our way

Christopher Leach

July 2, 2024 at 7:48 a.m.·2 min read

There is a possibility for strong storms on the Fourth of July in some areas of Central Kentucky, according to the National Weather Service.

Scattered storms are expected to begin Wednesday afternoon and last through Friday. The NWS said stronger storms capable of producing isolated damaging winds, torrential rainfall and intense lightning.

Meteorologists said a hot, humid air mass will be in place for the Fourth of July. Increased cloud cover and rain chances will limit the high temperatures a bit.

Rain chances are at 50% for Wednesday evening and 90% for the Fourth of July, according to the NWS.

Forecasters say Thursday’s temperature could hit 88 degrees with a 90% chance of precipitation, forecasters say. Showers and thunderstorms are likely in the evening, with the temperature predicted to drop to around 73 degrees.

Storm chances will persist Friday with the temperature predicted to climb to 90 degrees, according to the NWS.

Most of Kentucky is featured in the NWS’ severe weather outlook for Wednesday, with the northwestern parts of the state under slight risk for severe weather. The slight risk zone implies organized severe thunderstorms with varying levels of intensity are expected, according to meteorologists.

The central and western parts of the state are under a marginal risk for severe weather, which implies severe storms of either limited organization and longevity, according to the NWS.

All of Kentucky is under the marginal risk category for Thursday severe weather outlook, forecasters say.

Heat rising back to high levels

After a cooler day Monday, temperatures are expected to rise back up to high levels Tuesday heading into the Fourth of July. The high temperature for Tuesday is projected to reach 90 degrees, according to the NWS.

On Wednesday the predicted high temperature is 92 degrees while the predicted low that evening is 74 degrees. Chances for showers and thunderstorms rise to 50% after 8 p.m. with new rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch.

Pleasant weather today, though noticeably warmer and more humid this afternoon. Hot and humid Wednesday with afternoon heat index values over 100 in many areas. Scattered storms will be possible Wednesday afternoon and evening. Unsettled through Friday, dry weather this weekend. pic.twitter.com/ZFa8vfq33L
— NWS Louisville (@NWSLouisville) July 2, 2024

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