Sunnier and Warmer Conditions Ahead

We're winding down an eventful Thursday across south-central Kentucky tonight, and it's much more calm than where we started. Just like the hi-res models were indicating last night, a couple thick bands of snow developed across the state before sunrise and into this morning. The snow was quite persistent in some areas, prompting the closing of some school districts and the issuance of a Winter Weather Advisory by NWS Louisville. That has of course since been lifted. Here in Bowling Green, the official tally was around a half-inch, with some places approaching one inch on the north end of our DMA. Towards the state line, snow was little to none.

MODIS imagery of clouds over Kentucky today as the snow continued to fall. Notice the clear skies over Indiana, Illinois and Ohio, revealing the snow cover on the ground.

All this moisture settling above the surface will spell patchy fog for much of south-central Kentucky tonight. Another seasonable cold night is in store, with lows in the mid 20s, but normal temperatures will be thrown out the window soon. Our latest weather-maker is being replaced by high pressure, bringing calm winds and much more sunshine. Perhaps more importantly, it will return us to normal temperatures (the average high is 45°). While a low builds over the High Plains, surface high pressure will continue to bring in warmer air from the south, and this process should continue unimpeded into the weekend.

This means not only much clearer skies, but into the 50s for Saturday. The strong pull of warm air means it could get a little windy at times. A cold front will spoil the fun on Sunday, however. We may see some scattered showers associated with this front but it will return our highs to the mid 40s, which is still average for mid-January.

Tonight: Some fog under partly cloudy skies. Light winds with a low near 24°.
Friday: Early morning fog with mostly clear skies and a calm wind. High of 45°.
Friday night: A few clouds with a low around 29°. South winds around 5 mph.

Thanks for reading!
- Caleb Chevalier