Wednesday, January 21
NWS Alerts Active This Day
Winter Weather Advisory
Winter Weather Advisory issued January 20 at 3:20PM EST until January 21 at 11:00AM EST by NWS Louisville KY
WHAT Precipitation is expected to develop across the advisory area early Wednesday morning and will likely be in the form of freezing drizzle and freezing rain. Some snow may mix after sunrise. Additionally, road temperatures are expected to be well below freezing overnight and what precipiation falls will likely freeze on contact resulting in slick road conditions. Conditions will improve by mid-late morning as surface temperatures warm to above freezing.
WHERE Portions of south central Indiana and east central, north central, northwest, and south central Kentucky.
WHEN From 4 AM EST /3 AM CST/ to 11 AM EST /10 AM CST/ Wednesday.
IMPACTS Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions will likely impact the Wednesday morning commute.
Slow down and use caution while traveling. In Indiana, for Indiana Road Conditions please visit http://511in.org In Kentucky, for Kentucky Road Conditions please visit http://goky.ky.gov
Winter Weather Advisory
Winter Weather Advisory issued January 20 at 8:26PM EST until January 21 at 11:00AM EST by NWS Louisville KY
WHAT A mix of freezing rain and plain rain will overspread portions of south-central Kentucky early Wednesday morning. While air temperatures may be at or just above freezing, ground and pavement temperatures are expected to be below freezing resulting in any precipitation falling to freeze on contact and result in hazardous road conditions. Conditions will improve by late morning as air temperatures warm into the upper 30s and lower 40s.
WHERE Portions of east central and south central Kentucky.
WHEN From 4 AM EST /3 AM CST/ to 11 AM EST /10 AM CST/ Wednesday.
IMPACTS The hazardous conditions could impact the Wednesday morning commute.
Slow down and use caution while traveling. For Kentucky Road Conditions please visit http://goky.ky.gov
Winter Weather Advisory
Winter Weather Advisory issued January 20 at 8:26PM EST until January 21 at 11:00AM EST by NWS Louisville KY
WHAT Precipitation is expected to develop across the advisory area early Wednesday morning and will likely be in the form of freezing drizzle and freezing rain. Some snow may mix after sunrise. Additionally, road temperatures are expected to be well below freezing overnight and what precipiation falls will likely freeze on contact resulting in slick road conditions. Conditions will improve by mid-late morning as surface temperatures warm to above freezing.
WHERE Portions of south central Indiana and east central, north central, northwest, and south central Kentucky.
WHEN From 4 AM EST /3 AM CST/ to 11 AM EST /10 AM CST/ Wednesday.
IMPACTS Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the Wednesday morning commute.
Slow down and use caution while traveling. In Indiana, for Indiana Road Conditions please visit http://511in.org In Kentucky, for Kentucky Road Conditions please visit http://goky.ky.gov
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued January 20 at 9:44PM EST by NWS Jackson KY
There is a chance of a brief light wintry mix of precipitation after dawn on Wednesday morning. At the same time, temperatures are expected to warm into the 30s. If the precipitation does materialize, slick spots could develop on roadways, particularly on elevated surfaces such as bridges and overpasses as well as walkways. Those traveling on Wednesday morning should exercise caution and allow extra time to reach your destination.
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued January 20 at 11:50PM CST by NWS Paducah KY
Areas of light precipitation will develop across the region after 3am. With temperatures initially below the freezing mark and cold ground temperatures, precipitation will start out as light freezing drizzle or light snow. This may lead to slick spots on roadways, which may impact the morning commute. South winds will help temperatures slowly rise overnight to above freezing early Wednesday morning, changing precipitation over to rain and improving any travel issues. Allow extra time to reach your destination, and leave plenty of distance between you and the vehicle in front of you.
Winter Weather Advisory
Winter Weather Advisory issued January 21 at 2:29AM EST until January 21 at 12:00PM EST by NWS Louisville KY
WHAT Mixed precipitation expected. Total snow accumulations up to one inch and ice accumulations around a light glaze.
WHERE Portions of south central Indiana and east central, north central, northwest, and south central Kentucky.
WHEN Until noon EST /11 AM CST/ today.
IMPACTS Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will likely become slick and hazardous. Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the Wednesday morning commute.
Slow down and use caution while traveling. In Indiana, for Indiana Road Conditions please visit http://511in.org In Kentucky, for Kentucky Road Conditions please visit http://goky.ky.gov Be prepared for slippery roads. Slow down and use caution while driving. If you are going outside, watch your first few steps taken on stairs, sidewalks, and driveways. These surfaces could be icy and slippery, increasing your risk of a fall and injury.
Winter Weather Advisory
Winter Weather Advisory issued January 21 at 2:30AM EST until January 21 at 12:00PM EST by NWS Jackson KY
WHAT A wintry mix of freezing rain, snow, and plain rain will work into northwestern parts of the area this morning before many locations are able to rise above freezing. As a result, there is the potential for icy patches to develop on area roads and particularly for bridges and overpasses. Look for rising temperatures to end the threat by noon.
WHERE A portion of east central Kentucky.
WHEN Until noon EST today.
IMPACTS Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will likely become slick and hazardous. The hazardous conditions could impact the Wednesday morning commute.
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 21 at 3:20AM EST by NWS Jackson KY
There is a chance of a brief light wintry mix of precipitation after dawn this morning. At the same time, temperatures are expected to warm into the 30s. If the precipitation does materialize, slick spots could develop on roadways, particularly elevated surfaces such as bridges and overpasses, as well as walkways. Temperatures will rise enough to eliminate the threat by noon. Those traveling this morning should exercise caution and allow extra time to reach your destination.
Winter Storm Watch
Winter Storm Watch issued January 21 at 2:46AM CST until January 25 at 12:00PM CST by NWS Paducah KY
WHAT Periods of moderate to heavy snow will be possible. Total snow accumulations may exceed 5 inches in the Winter Storm Watch area with the greater totals most likely near the Arkansas and Tennessee border in southeast Missouri and western Kentucky.
WHERE Portions of southern Illinois, western Kentucky, and southeast Missouri.
WHEN From late Friday night through Sunday morning.
IMPACTS Travel could be very difficult.
Monitor the latest forecasts for updates on this situation.
Winter Weather Advisory
Winter Weather Advisory issued January 21 at 5:35AM EST until January 21 at 11:00AM EST by NWS Wilmington OH
WHAT Mixed precipitation. Additional snow accumulations less than one inch and ice accumulations around a light glaze.
WHERE Portions of southeast Indiana, northeast and northern Kentucky, and south central and southwest Ohio.
WHEN Until 11 AM EST this morning.
IMPACTS Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the Wednesday morning commute. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...A brief period of light freezing rain and light snow combined with cold surface temperatures will lead to slick spots this morning.
Slow down and use caution while traveling. In Indiana, visit 511in.org or call 1-800-261-7623 for the latest road information. 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 21 at 5:27AM CST until January 21 at 10:00AM CST by NWS Paducah KY
WHAT For the Winter Weather Advisory, freezing rain. Additional ice accumulations of a light glaze. For the Winter Storm Watch, Periods of moderate to heavy snow will be possible. Total snow accumulations may exceed 5 inches in the Winter Storm Watch area with the greater totals most likely near the Arkansas and Tennessee border in southeast Missouri and western Kentucky.
WHERE Portions of southern Illinois, western Kentucky, and southeast Missouri.
WHEN For the Winter Weather Advisory, until 10 AM CST this morning. For the Winter Storm Watch, from late Friday night through Sunday morning.
IMPACTS The hazardous conditions could impact the Wednesday morning commute.
Slow down and use caution while traveling. Prepare for possible power outages. The latest road conditions can be obtained by visiting www.weather.gov/pah/roads Monitor the latest forecasts for updates on this situation.
Winter Storm Watch
Winter Storm Watch issued January 21 at 5:27AM CST until January 25 at 12:00PM CST by NWS Paducah KY
WHAT For the Winter Weather Advisory, freezing rain. Additional ice accumulations of a light glaze. For the Winter Storm Watch, Periods of moderate to heavy snow will be possible. Total snow accumulations may exceed 5 inches in the Winter Storm Watch area with the greater totals most likely near the Arkansas and Tennessee border in southeast Missouri and western Kentucky.
WHERE Portions of southern Illinois, western Kentucky, and southeast Missouri.
WHEN For the Winter Weather Advisory, until 10 AM CST this morning. For the Winter Storm Watch, from late Friday night through Sunday morning.
IMPACTS The hazardous conditions could impact the Wednesday morning commute.
Slow down and use caution while traveling. Prepare for possible power outages. The latest road conditions can be obtained by visiting www.weather.gov/pah/roads Monitor the latest forecasts for updates on this situation.
Winter Storm Watch
Winter Storm Watch issued January 21 at 5:27AM CST until January 25 at 12:00PM CST by NWS Paducah KY
WHAT Periods of moderate to heavy snow will be possible. Total snow accumulations may exceed 5 inches in the Winter Storm Watch area with the greater totals most likely near the Arkansas and Tennessee border in southeast Missouri and western Kentucky.
WHERE Portions of western Kentucky and southeast Missouri.
WHEN From late Friday night through Sunday morning.
IMPACTS Travel could be very difficult.
Monitor the latest forecasts for updates on this situation.
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued January 21 at 7:39AM EST by NWS Charleston WV
Instances of light snow and freezing rain are possible this morning before a change over to rain occurs later this morning and afternoon with warming temperatures. Be prepared for slick spots on untreated roads this morning, particularly on bridges and overpasses. Please allow extra time to reach your destination.
Winter Storm Watch
Winter Storm Watch issued January 21 at 10:38AM CST until January 25 at 12:00PM CST by NWS Paducah KY
WHAT Heavy snow possible. Total snow accumulations between 7 and 11 inches possible.
WHERE Portions of southern Illinois, western Kentucky, and southeast Missouri.
WHEN From late Friday night through Sunday morning.
IMPACTS Travel could be very difficult.
Monitor the latest forecasts for updates on this situation.
Winter Storm Watch
Winter Storm Watch issued January 21 at 11:38AM EST until January 26 at 7:00AM EST by NWS Louisville KY
WHAT A winter storm is expected to bring moderate to major impacts to central Kentucky and southern Indiana this weekend. Periods of moderate to heavy snow are forecast this weekend with the possibility of a wintry mix of snow and sleet across southern Kentucky.
WHERE Portions of south central Indiana and east central, north central, northwest, and south central Kentucky.
WHEN From early Saturday morning through Monday morning.
IMPACTS Plan for considerable disruptions to daily life, Be prepared for dangerous travel conditions and ready to avoid travel if possible.
Monitor the latest forecasts for updates on this situation.
Winter Storm Watch
Winter Storm Watch issued January 21 at 12:09PM EST until January 26 at 7:00AM EST by NWS Jackson KY
WHAT A winter storm is expected to bring moderate to major impacts to eastern Kentucky this weekend. Periods of moderate to heavy snow are forecast this weekend with the possibility of a wintry mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain, especially along and south of the KY-80/Hal Rogers Parkway.
WHERE Portions of east central, northeast, south central, and southeast Kentucky.
WHEN From Saturday morning through Monday morning.
IMPACTS Travel could be very difficult to impossible. The hazardous conditions could impact the Monday morning commute.
Monitor the latest forecasts for updates on this situation. Persons should consider delaying all travel. If travel is absolutely necessary, consider taking a winter storm kit along with you, including such items as tire chains, booster cables, flashlight, shovel, blankets and extra clothing. Also take water, a first aid kit, and anything else that would help you survive in case you become stranded.
Winter Storm Watch
Winter Storm Watch issued January 21 at 12:28PM EST until January 26 at 7:00AM EST by NWS Charleston WV
WHAT Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 6 and 12 inches possible. Locally higher amounts are possible.
WHERE Portions of northeast Kentucky, southeast Ohio, southwest Virginia, and central, northeast, northern, southeast, southern, and western West Virginia.
WHEN From Saturday morning through Monday morning.
IMPACTS Travel could be very difficult to impossible. The hazardous conditions could impact the Monday morning commute.
Monitor the latest forecasts for updates on this situation. Additional information can be found at https://www.weather.gov/rlx as well as on our X and Facebook pages.
Winter Storm Watch
Winter Storm Watch issued January 21 at 12:30PM EST until January 26 at 1:00AM EST by NWS Wilmington OH
WHAT Heavy snow with total accumulations between 4 and 6 inches is possible.
WHERE Portions of southeast Indiana, northeast and northern Kentucky, and south central and southwest Ohio.
WHEN From Saturday morning through late Sunday night.
IMPACTS Travel could be very difficult.
Persons should consider altering their travel plans. If you do plan to travel in hazardous winter conditions, consider taking a winter storm kit along with you, including such items as tire chains, booster cables, flashlight, shovel, blankets and extra clothing. Also take water, a first aid kit, and anything else that would help you survive in case you become stranded.
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued January 21 at 1:20PM EST by NWS Louisville KY
Snow showers have blanketed the region this afternoon. Some moderate snow showers are leading to reduced visibilities and accumulations on roadways. Roads may become slippery, use caution while driving.
Winter Storm Watch
Winter Storm Watch issued January 21 at 3:37PM CST until January 25 at 12:00PM CST by NWS Paducah KY
WHAT Heavy mixed precipitation possible in southwest Kentucky and heavy snow possible elsewhere. Total snow accumulations between 7 and 13 inches and ice accumulations around a light glaze possible in southwest Kentucky.
WHERE Portions of southern Illinois, southwest Indiana, western Kentucky, and southeast Missouri.
WHEN From late Friday night through Sunday morning.
IMPACTS Travel could be very difficult to impossible. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Prolonged cold is also expected between Friday and Monday. Wind chills Friday night could be as low as -10 degrees across the north and -5 across the south. Sunday night wind chills will range from -7 degrees to -12 degrees.
Monitor the latest forecasts for updates on this situation.
How Did We Do?
Comparing our AI forecast to actual observations from Wednesday, January 21, 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
Winter Mix and Intense Winds Sweep Kentucky Wednesday
A dynamic winter system will bring a quick hit of snow and freezing rain to northern and western Kentucky Wednesday morning, followed by a transition to rain and powerful wind gusts statewide.
Confidence Assessment
Confidence is lowered significantly by the volatility of the rain/snow line and the stark disagreement between the NAM and Euro regarding icing potential in the Northwest Pennyrile.
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
Rain will be the primary story for the Purchase region, beginning in the morning and continuing through the afternoon. Expect very windy conditions with gusts reaching up to 40 mph.
Northwest Pennyrile
Hazardous morning travel is possible as freezing rain creates an icy glaze on roads. Expect around 0.1 inches of ice accumulation before temperatures rise in the afternoon.
Southwest Pennyrile
Rain arrives after midday following a very cold start. Wind gusts up to 45 mph will be the most significant impact.
Barren River
A dry morning will be followed by high winds and light rain showers. Expect wind gusts of 44 mph throughout the afternoon.
Louisville Metro
Snow will likely accumulate around 1 inch during the morning commute. Expect a sloppy transition to rain and wind gusts up to 45 mph by the afternoon.
Lincoln Trail
A mix of wet snow and rain will move through during the afternoon. Expect accumulations around 0.2 inches of slush and wind gusts near 50 mph.
Lake Cumberland
The day will stay dry but very windy until light rain arrives in the evening. Temperatures will reach the mid-40s, feeling much colder due to 40 mph gusts.
Northern Kentucky
Expect around 0.8 inches of snow accumulation and blowing snow through the afternoon. Slick roads and wind gusts up to 45 mph will impact the region.
Inner Bluegrass
A brief period of wet snow will accumulate around 0.2 inches before turning to rain. Wind gusts of 50 mph will be the main impact throughout the day.
Bluegrass Foothills
Expect a dry but very windy day with light rain showers arriving late. Wind gusts of 45 mph will make it feel like the teens all day.
Northeast Kentucky
A very cold start will give way to light rain showers by the evening. Wind gusts of 40 mph will be persistent across the region.
Southeast Kentucky
Expect a dry day with high cloud cover and breezy conditions. Temperatures will be the mildest in the state, reaching 47 degrees.
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 NAM thermal profile verifies perfectly, Northern Kentucky and the Northwest Pennyrile could see over 1.5 inches of snow and a tenth of an inch of ice glaze, with wind gusts peaking at 55 mph causing sporadic power outages.
The 'Bust' Scenario
If the Euro's more aggressive warm air advection wins, the cold air retreats before the moisture arrives, resulting in a simple cold, windy rain event with no snow or ice accumulation.
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.
Low-Level Jet Momentum Transfer
Models disagree on how much of the 50kt wind at 850mb will mix down to the surface. The NAM is much more aggressive with gusts over 50 mph, while the GEM is more conservative at 30-35 mph.
Why GFS Wins
The GFS provides a middle-ground solution that accounts for the strong pressure gradient while acknowledging the stability of the shallow cold layer which may initially inhibit the highest gusts from reaching the surface.
The Shallow Cold Wedge
A major conflict exists between the NAM and the Global models (GFS/Euro) regarding how long the sub-freezing air remains trapped at the surface. The NAM keeps a shallow layer of 28-30°F air along the Ohio River through midday, while the GFS/Euro scour it out by 9 AM.
Why NAM Wins
The NAM typically handles the 'cold air damming' and shallow surface inversions much better than global models within the 48-hour window. Physics suggests the heavy cloud cover and initial virga/evaporative cooling will help anchor the cold air longer than the GFS predicts.
Celestial Almanac
Waxing 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.