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.

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