Slight Break from Sweltering Heat

It has been a hot and humid day across south central Kentucky.  This morning, our low temperature was only 80°, which is a record warm low.  The previous record high low was set back in 1954 with a low temperature of 79°.  After such a warm start, the mercury eventually rose to a high temperature of 95° in Bowling Green today.  When you factor in the humidity, it felt even hotter with heat index values in the triple digits.

Forecasted high temperatures for Wednesday, July 15th courtesy of the National Weather Service.

As shown in the graphic above, we will get a little relief from all this heat tomorrow.  Although it will still be warm, temperatures are only expected to rise into the upper 80s rather than the mid 90s.  The best part is that it will actually feel like the upper 80s.  As shown below, the heat index will only be around 90 even at the hottest point in the day due to the much lower humidity.

Forecasted heat index values for Wednesday, July 15th at 4:00 PM CDT courtesy of the National Weather Service.

This is all due to the passage of a cold front.  As shown on the map below, the front will pass to our south overnight and be well into Tennessee by tomorrow morning.  The air behind that front is much cooler and less humid than the air mass we are under right now.

Forecasted surface conditions for Wednesday, July 15th at 7:00AM CDT courtesy of the Weather Prediction Center.

Looking further ahead, these less sweltering conditions will not last for long.  Thursday night into Friday, a warm front will pass through the area and bring back the heat and humidity.  We do have a slight chance of some pop up showers and storms this weekend.  However, most of the next week looks dry but hot. 

So, if you need to mow the lawn or get other work done outside, the best time for that will be tomorrow or Thursday this week.  After that is when we will really get thrown back into the frying pan with the return of temperatures in the mid 90s and heat index values in the triple digits.  However, even tomorrow, it will still be hot so make sure you drink plenty of water.

Forecast: 

Tonight:  Partly cloudy skies, a slight chance of scattered showers and storms, lows near 72°, and winds out of the west at around 5-10 mph.

Tomorrow:  Mostly sunny skies, highs near 88°, and winds out of the north at around 5-10 mph.

Wednesday Night:  Mostly clear skies, lows near 66°, and light winds out of the north.

Thursday:  Mostly sunny skies, highs near 90°, and winds out of the southeast at around 3-6 mph.

Thanks for reading, and have a great night!

-Arden Gregory