Kentucky
Spring takes a wild turn: Severe storms, then snow, are coming to Kentucky
LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) – Buckle up. Kentucky is about to experience one of the most dramatic weather swings of the season as spring and winter collide over the next 24 hours, bringing severe storms this evening, followed by a wild cold crash and snow.
The severe weather threat takes center stage today. A powerful cold front is racing from the Plains toward Kentucky, and it’s bringing a line of severe storms that could pack a serious punch — especially across western Kentucky this evening.
The Severe Threat: Damaging Winds and Tornadoes Possible
Temperatures will surge into the 70s across the state today, but don’t get too comfortable. Winds are already cranking up, with gusts reaching 40 to 50 mph this afternoon and evening as the storm system approaches.
When that line of severe storms arrives in western Kentucky this evening, damaging winds will be the main threat. But the Storm Prediction Center is also highlighting the possibility of a few tornadoes within this line, with the greatest tornado threat in western Kentucky.
The severe weather won’t stay in the west for long. The entire line will race eastward through central and eastern Kentucky during the late evening and early morning hours of Monday. Damaging winds remain a major threat as it moves east, though the line will weaken somewhat as it pushes toward the mountains. Still, some wind damage is possible even in eastern Kentucky.
Here’s what happens next: temperatures ahead of the front are sitting in the 65 to 70-degree range. Once that cold front passes, expect a dramatic temperature drop of 20 to 30 degrees in just one hour. Behind the front, snow showers and flurries will begin to develop.
Monday: From Flurries to Possible Snow Squalls
Monday will be a completely different story. Temperatures will continue to plummet from west to east, with most areas staying in the upper 20s and low 30s. Factor in the wind, and it’ll feel like the teens with dangerous wind chills.
Snow showers and flurries will be common across the state, especially in central and eastern Kentucky. A few snow squalls can’t be ruled out — and here’s something unusual: one or two of these snow squalls may actually produce a little thunder.
Some light slush may show up on grassy and elevated surfaces throughout the day. We are watching closely for a band of enhanced snow trying to develop across eastern Kentucky. If that develops as expected, a slushy accumulation — what we’re calling a “slushy thumper” — would be possible.
Monday Night Into Tuesday: Slick Conditions Possible
A few snow showers and flurries will continue Monday night with light accumulations possible. Temperatures will drop into the teens, which means bridges and overpasses could become slick. Wind chills will reach the single digits by Tuesday morning — dangerously cold.
Looking ahead: The cold snap is temporary. Temperatures will start to rebound on Wednesday with a slight chance of rain or snow showers early in the day. Milder winds move in, pushing temperatures into the 60s Thursday, the 70s Friday, and possibly the 80s next weekend.
Copyright 2026 WKYT. All rights reserved.
Fourth of July festivities to celebrate in Louisville
See the Fourth of July festivities planned in Louisville for America’s 250th birthday celebration.
Fourth of July is almost here, and Kentuckians are getting ready to light up the sky.
Before you plan your fireworks celebrations, it’s important to know what is and isn’t allowed under Kentucky law. Here’s what to know about fireworks laws and safety tips in the Bluegrass State ahead of Independence Day.
Can you set off fireworks in Kentucky?
Yes. As long as you live in a place where local ordinances don’t prohibit it, according to the Kentucky State Fire Marshal’s website.
Are fireworks legal in Louisville?
In Louisville or Jefferson County, larger display fireworks are not legal due to a local law. Some consumer products that don’t leave the ground, such as sparklers, are allowed.
If the cautionary label on the firework has the words “explosive,” “emits flaming pellets,” “flaming balls,” “firecracker,” “report” or “rocket,” it is automatically a no-go, according to the Louisville-Jefferson County Code of Ordinances.
But, smaller ones like sparklers, cylindrical or cone fountains, wheels and ground spinners are legal. Still, don’t let the size fool you − they can burn up to 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the National Fire Protection Association.
Learn more: Check out these 4th of July events taking place across Kentucky
How to use fireworks safely
The state fire marshal suggests following the following advice when using fireworks:
- Use fireworks outdoors.
- Obey local laws.
- Keep a bucket of water or a working water hose nearby.
- Use fireworks as intended and avoid altering them or combining them.
- Never relight “dud” fireworks. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
- Spectators should keep a safe distance from the person lighting the firework (the individual lighting it should wear safety glasses).
- Alcohol and fireworks do not mix. Have a “designated adult operator.”
- Do not use homemade fireworks or illegal explosives.
- Report illegal explosives to the fire or police department in your community.
- Never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks.
- Read and follow all instructions on the label.
Former Courier Journal reporter Ana Rocío Álvarez Bríñez contributed. Reach Marina Johnson at Marina.Johnson@courier-journal.com.
Which teams need to nail the NBA Draft the most?
Listing the teams that can least afford to mess up this year’s NBA draft.
LEXINGTON — Otega Oweh will begin his NBA career on the move.
The Miami Heat drafted Oweh in the second round of the 2026 NBA Draft on Wednesday, June 24. Oweh was the No. 41 overall pick (and the 11th selection of the second round).
But he won’t remain in Miami: Oweh reportedly is part of a trade that will send him to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Oweh starred for Kentucky basketball the past two seasons. He was a primary component of the first and second squads of coach Mark Pope’s tenure at UK.
Here’s what to know about Oweh, the Wildcats’ newest draft selection:
Oweh began his time as a collegian at Oklahoma, where he spent two seasons. He played in 32 games (28 starts) for the Sooners in 2023-24, averaging 11.4 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.5 steals and 1 assist per outing.
But he was a revelation at Kentucky, inarguably the team’s top player the past two seasons.
During his debut in 2024-25, Oweh paced the Wildcats in points per game (16.2) and double-digit efforts (33 times in 36 games). He started the season scoring 10 or more in the team’s first 26 games, which was the longest streak by a Kentucky player since Malik Monk did so 30 times in a row in 2016-17.
After going through the draft process and returning to UK, Oweh entered the 2025-26 campaign as the SEC’s preseason Player of the Year.
He wound up being every bit as consistent as in Year 1, scoring 10-plus points in 35 of the Cats’ 36 games. Oweh, who was named to the All-SEC Second Team by the league’s coaches, averaged a team-high 18.6 points per game.
He finished his Kentucky career with 1,255 points, the most ever by a player in his first two seasons with the program.
Along with his scoring prowess, Oweh also set single-season personal bests for rebounds (4.8), assists (2.7) and steals (1.8) per game.
Despite his standout two-year career with the Cats, Oweh was not a highly touted transfer portal prospect following the 2023-24 season. He was 31st according to 247Sports, while ESPN ranked him 59th and On3 didn’t even include him in its top 100.
Hailing from Blair Academy in New Jersey, Oweh was unanimously rated as a four-star prospect in the 2022 class, earning that ranking from Rivals, 247Sports and ESPN.
Oweh was slightly taller than 6-foot-4 (without shoes) at the NBA Draft Combine. During that testing, he weighed 216 pounds. That’s nearly identical to Oweh’s figures on Kentucky’s official 2025-26 roster, where he was listed at 6-4 and 220 pounds.
NBAdraft.net wrote that Oweh’s most logical pro comps are the Harrison twins — ex-UK greats Aaron and Andrew — and Josh Okogie.
Reach Kentucky men’s basketball and football reporter Ryan Black at rblack@gannett.com and follow him on X at @RyanABlack.
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