Saturday, January 17
NWS Alerts Active This Day
Winter Weather Advisory
Winter Weather Advisory issued January 16 at 12:51PM EST until January 17 at 7:00AM EST by NWS Wilmington OH
WHAT Snow expected. Total snow accumulations of one to three inches.
WHERE Portions of northeast and northern Kentucky and central, south central, and southwest Ohio.
WHEN From 7 PM this evening to 7 AM EST Saturday.
IMPACTS Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the Friday evening commute.
Slow down and use caution while traveling. In Kentucky, visit goky.ky.gov for the latest road information. In Ohio, visit ohgo.com for the latest road information.
Winter Weather Advisory
Winter Weather Advisory issued January 16 at 1:39PM EST until January 17 at 7:00AM EST by NWS Jackson KY
WHAT Snow expected. Total snow accumulations up to one inch in the valleys and up to 2 inches toward ridgetops.
WHERE Portions of east central, south central, and southeast Kentucky.
WHEN From 7 PM this evening to 7 AM EST Saturday.
IMPACTS Plan on slippery road conditions. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Precipitation will begin primarily as rain, or mix with rain at times, before changing to all snow before ending. Snow accumulations will favor elevated and grassy surfaces.
Slow down and use caution while traveling. The latest road conditions for Kentucky can be found by visiting https://goky.ky.gov.
Winter Weather Advisory
Winter Weather Advisory issued January 16 at 1:39PM EST until January 17 at 9:00AM EST by NWS Jackson KY
WHAT Snow expected. Total snow accumulations up to one inch in the valley bottoms, with 1 to 3 inches at higher elevations.
WHERE Harlan and Letcher Counties.
WHEN From 8 PM this evening to 9 AM EST Saturday.
IMPACTS Plan on slippery road conditions. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Precipitation may begin, or mix with, rain at times in the valleys before ending late tonight as all snow.
Slow down and use caution while traveling. The latest road conditions for Kentucky can be found by visiting https://goky.ky.gov.
Winter Weather Advisory
Winter Weather Advisory issued January 16 at 1:42PM EST until January 17 at 7:00AM EST by NWS Louisville KY
WHAT Snow expected. Total snow accumulations of one to two inches.
WHERE Portions of east central, north central, and south central Kentucky.
WHEN From 7 PM EST /6 PM CST/ this evening to 7 AM EST /6 AM CST/ Saturday.
IMPACTS Plan on slippery road conditions.
Slow down and use caution while traveling. For Kentucky Road Conditions please visit http://goky.ky.gov
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued January 16 at 1:48PM EST by NWS Wilmington OH
Periods of light snow will develop late this evening and continue past midnight. Accumulations of an inch or two along with cooling pavement temperatures will result in slippery roadways... particularly on untreated roads and overpasses. If traveling, allow for some extra time to reach your destination and be prepared for wintery driving conditions.
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued January 16 at 1:58PM EST by NWS Jackson KY
A slow moving cold front will bring a mix of rain and snow to eastern Kentucky later this evening that will gradually transition over to all snow for most places tonight. The best potential for light accumulations will be on the ridges and especially the elevated border region near Virginia as well as locations along and north of I-64 and some of the higher spots in Jackson County. The main slug of snow clears out late tonight, but additional snow showers and squalls will be possible on Saturday. Most places will see minimal accumulations from this return to winter, but some higher elevation locations could pick up a couple of inches of snow. Be prepared for slick spots on untreated roads tonight, particularly on bridges and overpasses. Please allow extra time to reach you destination tonight.
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued January 16 at 2:13PM EST by NWS Charleston WV
A cold front will swing across the region bringing increasing precipitation chances overnight into Saturday morning. Precipitation is expected to be a rain and snow mix at onset in some locations, but will gradually transition over to all snow for most places. Up to an inch or so is expected across the lowlands, while one to two inches is generally expected across the higher elevations of southern West Virginia and southwest Virginia. Be prepared for slick spots on untreated roads tonight into Saturday morning, particularly on bridges and overpasses. Please allow extra time to reach your destination.
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued January 16 at 4:55PM EST by NWS Louisville KY
A mix of rain and snow late this afternoon and evening will become light snow showers late tonight. A light coating of snow is possible by Saturday morning. Residents along the I-65 corridor near Louisville and Elizabethtown may see accumulations up to an inch. By late tonight, this snow could cause some slick spots on area roadways, especially on bridges and overpasses. Take care when venturing out on area roadways later tonight and Saturday morning.
Winter Weather Advisory
Winter Weather Advisory issued January 16 at 8:02PM EST until January 17 at 7:00AM EST by NWS Wilmington OH
WHAT Snow. Additional snow accumulations up to two inches.
WHERE Portions of northeast and northern Kentucky and central, south central, and southwest Ohio.
WHEN Until 7 AM EST Saturday.
IMPACTS Plan on slippery road conditions. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Additional snow showers are expected for Saturday.
Slow down and use caution while traveling. In Kentucky, visit goky.ky.gov for the latest road information. In Ohio, visit ohgo.com for the latest road information.
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued January 16 at 8:25PM EST by NWS Wilmington OH
Light snow will move across the region at times overnight. Some slick conditions will be possible with this snow. If traveling remain alert for changing road conditions and slick spots.
Winter Weather Advisory
Winter Weather Advisory issued January 16 at 9:38PM EST until January 17 at 7:00AM EST by NWS Jackson KY
WHAT Snow is expected. Total accumulations of an inch or less are forecast in most locations, except for 1 to 2 inches on taller ridges.
WHERE The Winter Weather Advisory is for portions of east central, south central, and southeast Kentucky.
WHEN The Winter Weather Advisory is in effect until 7 AM EST Saturday.
IMPACTS Plan on slippery road conditions.
Slow down and use caution while traveling. The latest road conditions for Kentucky can be found by visiting https://goky.ky.gov.
Winter Weather Advisory
Winter Weather Advisory issued January 16 at 9:38PM EST until January 17 at 9:00AM EST by NWS Jackson KY
WHAT Snow is expected. Total accumulations of less than 2 inches are forecast in most locations, except around 3 inches above 3000 feet.
WHERE The Winter Weather Advisory is for Harlan and Letcher Counties.
WHEN The Winter Weather Advisory is in effect until 9 AM EST Saturday.
IMPACTS Plan on slippery road conditions.
Slow down and use caution while traveling. The latest road conditions for Kentucky can be found by visiting https://goky.ky.gov.
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued January 16 at 9:50PM EST by NWS Charleston WV
A cold front will swing across the region bringing increasing precipitation chances overnight into Saturday morning. A mix of rain and snow mix should gradually transition over to all snow for most places. Up to an inch or so of snow is expected across the lowlands, while one to two inches is generally expected across the higher elevations of southern West Virginia and southwest Virginia. Be prepared for slick spots on untreated roads tonight into Saturday morning, particularly on bridges and overpasses. Please allow extra time to reach your destination.
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued January 16 at 9:58PM EST by NWS Jackson KY
Rain will develop and change to snow in most places tonight. However, temperatures will struggle to drop to freezing, making it difficult for snow to stick. Most locations will see little or no accumulation, but a few slick spots can't be ruled out, especially on bridges.
Winter Weather Advisory
Winter Weather Advisory issued January 17 at 1:11AM EST until January 17 at 7:00AM EST by NWS Wilmington OH
WHAT Snow. Additional snow accumulations up to one inch.
WHERE Portions of northeast and northern Kentucky and central, south central, and southwest Ohio.
WHEN Until 7 AM EST this morning.
IMPACTS Plan on slippery road conditions.
Slow down and use caution while traveling. In Kentucky, visit goky.ky.gov for the latest road information. In Ohio, visit ohgo.com for the latest road information.
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued January 17 at 1:59AM EST by NWS Charleston WV
An approaching cold front was bringing precipitation across the area early this morningorning. A mix of snow and rain will transition over to all snow in some areas. However, temperatures will struggle to drop to freezing, making it difficult for snow to stick. Some locations will see little or no accumulation, but a slushy inch or so possible in other locations, resulting in a few slick spots, especially on bridges and overpasses. Be prepared for slick spots on untreated roads early this morning, particularly on bridges and overpasses. Please allow extra time to reach your destination.
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued January 17 at 2:07AM EST by NWS Charleston WV
An approaching cold front was bringing precipitation across the area early this morning. A mix of snow and rain will transition over to all snow in some areas. However, temperatures will struggle to drop to freezing, making it difficult for snow to stick. Some locations will see little or no accumulation, but a slushy inch or so possible in other locations, resulting in a few slick spots, especially on bridges and overpasses. Be prepared for slick spots on untreated roads early this morning, particularly on bridges and overpasses. Please allow extra time to reach your destination.
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued January 17 at 2:09AM EST by NWS Wilmington OH
Scattered snow showers will move across the region this morning into early afternoon. Some slick spots will be possible with rapidly changing road conditions and a sudden drop in visibility. If traveling remain alert for changing road conditions and slick spots.
Winter Weather Advisory
Winter Weather Advisory issued January 17 at 3:18AM EST until January 17 at 9:00AM EST by NWS Jackson KY
WHAT Snow and rain will taper off this morning. Most locations can expect less than a half inch of snow accumulation. However, totals of 1 to 3 inches will be common above elevations of 2500 feet.
WHERE The Winter Weather Advisory is for Harlan and Letcher Counties.
WHEN The Winter Weather Advisory is in effect until 9 AM EST this morning.
IMPACTS Plan on slippery road conditions across the higher elevations.
Slow down and use caution while traveling. The latest road conditions for Kentucky can be found by visiting https://goky.ky.gov.
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued January 17 at 3:25AM EST by NWS Wilmington OH
Scattered snow showers will move across the region this morning into early afternoon. Some slick spots will be possible with rapidly changing road conditions and a sudden drop in visibility. If traveling remain alert for changing road conditions and slick spots.
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued January 17 at 10:01AM EST by NWS Jackson KY
HAZARDS A snow squall accompanied by winds of 20 MPH which can rapidly reduce visibility to less than one mile. LOCATION AND MOVEMENT...At 1000 AM EST, a snow squall was over Bernice, or over Manchester moving east at 30 MPH. THIS SQUALL WILL BE NEAR... Seth, Hector, Mill Pond, Barcreek, Bernice, Spurlock, Wild Cat, Tanksley, Hensley, and Laurel Creek around 1005 AM EST. Mistletoe, Whoopflarea, Big Creek, Panco, Jacks Creek, Brutus, and Bear Branch around 1010 AM EST. Sizerock and Saul around 1015 AM EST. Thousandsticks around 1025 AM EST. THIS INCLUDES Hal Rogers Parkway between mile markers 11 and 21, near mile marker 24, and between mile markers 28 and 38, and near mile marker 44. SAFETY INFO... Use extra caution if you must travel into or through this squall. Rapid changes in visibility and potentially slick roads may lead to accidents.
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued January 17 at 10:53AM EST by NWS Jackson KY
HAZARDS A snow shower mixed with graupel accompanied by winds of 20 MPH which can rapidly reduce visibility to less than one mile. LOCATION AND MOVEMENT...At 1051 AM EST, a snow squall was over Cornelia, or 9 miles southwest of Salyersville moving east at 30 MPH. THIS SQUALL WILL BE NEAR... Salyersville, Mason, Eugene, Hendricks, Lakesville, Duco, Carver, West Royalton Station, Gullett, and Foraker around 1055 AM EST. Gapville, Ivyton, Stringtown, and Gypsy around 1100 AM EST. Mashfork, Riceville, and Conley around 1105 AM EST. Dobson, Bonanza, Swamp Branch, Brainard, Falcon, Ballot, and Brownlow around 1110 AM EST. Dotson and Oil Springs around 1115 AM EST. THIS INCLUDES Bert T. Combs Mountain Parkway between mile markers 72 and 76. SAFETY INFO... Use extra caution if you must travel into or through this snow shower. Rapid changes in visibility and potentially slick roads could lead to accidents.
How Did We Do?
Comparing our AI forecast to actual observations from Saturday, January 17, 2026.
Regional Assessments
Purchase Area
Northwest Pennyrile
Southwest Pennyrile
Barren River
Louisville Metro
Lincoln Trail
Lake Cumberland
Northern Kentucky
Inner Bluegrass
Bluegrass Foothills
Northeast Kentucky
Southeast Kentucky
Dry Arctic Front Brings Gusty Winds and Sharp Cold Snap
A strong, moisture-starved cold front will sweep across Kentucky on Saturday, ushering in a much colder air mass. While the day will be precipitation-free for the vast majority of the state, gusty northwest winds will make temperatures feel significantly colder than the actual reading.
Confidence Assessment
High confidence in the temperature crash and wind gusts; however, the lone Euro solution showing snow in the West introduces a slight penalty for model disagreement on precipitation existence.
Get Personalized Forecasts
Choose which region in Kentucky you're interested in and we'll always show you that one first. You can change your selected region by clicking the "Star" icon on any regional forecast.
Purchase Area
Expect a bright but chilly day across the Purchase. Clouds will clear early, leaving sunny skies for the afternoon. Accumulations will be 0 inches as the dry air wins out.
Northwest Pennyrile
A few morning clouds will give way to sunshine. It will be a blustery day with 0 inches of snow expected.
Southwest Pennyrile
The day will be dry and bright. Temperatures will peak early and then drop throughout the afternoon.
Barren River
Clouds will be stubborn through lunchtime before breaking up. Expect a cold breeze and 0 inches of accumulation.
Louisville Metro
Louisville will stay mostly cloudy and cold. Winds will make it feel like the teens by evening. No snow is forecast.
Lincoln Trail
Clouds will linger over the ridge. It will be a cold, dry day with 0 inches of snow.
Lake Cumberland
Cloudy skies will prevail near the lake, with temperatures falling into the 20s tonight. No rain or snow expected.
Northern Kentucky
Bitterly cold winds will blow through tonight. While skies will stay dry, wind chills will drop into the lower teens.
Inner Bluegrass
Lexington will face a harsh winter day with wind chills in the lower teens. Expect a dry day with 0 inches of snow.
Bluegrass Foothills
Richmond and Berea will see cold winds and grey skies. Temperatures will hit the low 20s tonight.
Northeast Kentucky
A relatively mild morning will be followed by a sharp cold front this evening. No snow accumulation is expected.
Southeast Kentucky
Hold onto your hats! Winds could gust near 40 mph in the mountains today. It will be cloudy and chilly but dry.
Possible Outcomes
Weather forecasting involves uncertainty. Below are two scenarios representing the range of possible outcomes: the "Boom" scenario shows the worst-case/highest-impact result if conditions align unfavorably, while the "Bust" scenario shows the best-case/lowest-impact result if the forecast doesn't materialize as expected.
The 'Boom' Scenario
If the moisture-rich ana-front solution from the Euro verifies, a narrow 3-hour window of light snow could produce a quick coating to 1 inch of accumulation in Western Kentucky (Purchase/Pennyrile) before the dry air scours it out.
The 'Bust' Scenario
A faster-than-anticipated clearing of the mid-level cloud deck allows for more solar insolation, keeping afternoon highs 2-3 degrees warmer, though the wind chill impact remains unchanged.
Model Disagreements
When models disagree, a call must be made to determine the most likely outcome. This decision is based on a combination of factors including model performance, historical data, and the models general accounting of each climatic region of Kentucky.
The Cold Air Damming Discrepancy
The NAM and GEM maintain colder surface temperatures in the Eastern Kentucky valleys, while the GFS warms the region more aggressively prior to frontal passage.
Why NAM Wins
The NAM historically resolves shallow cold air and valley inversions better than global models. Cold air damming (CAD) is likely to persist until the pressure gradient forces mixing.
The Moisture Mirage
The ECMWF (Euro) attempts to develop a moist ana-frontal structure with 0.10-0.20 inches of liquid equivalent, resulting in a snow threat for Western KY. The GFS, NAM, and GEM all show a critically dry column with dewpoint depressions exceeding 15°F.
Why BLEND Wins
Siding with the GFS/NAM/GEM consensus on dry air. Soundings show a significant dry slot above 850mb that the Euro likely over-saturates. The dry solution is more physically consistent with the 250mb jet exit region subsidence.
Celestial Almanac
Waning Crescent
Purchase Area
Northwest Pennyrile
Southwest Pennyrile
Barren River
Louisville Metro
Lincoln Trail
Lake Cumberland
Northern Kentucky
Inner Bluegrass
Bluegrass Foothills
Northeast Kentucky
Southeast Kentucky
Dive Deeper Into the Models
This forecast is a synthesis of raw data from the NAM, GFS, ECMWF, and GEM models. These models provide detailed atmospheric analyses including 500mb vorticity, precipitation rates, and more. You can take a look at the raw model data by clicking the links below.