Saturday, February 7
NWS Alerts Active This Day
Winter Weather Advisory
Winter Weather Advisory issued February 6 at 10:44AM EST until February 7 at 1:00AM EST by NWS Charleston WV
WHAT Snow. Additional snow accumulations of 1 to 3 inches.
WHERE Portions of northeast Kentucky and southeast Ohio.
WHEN Until 1 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. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1 or by accessing the online traffic and roadway portal for your state. Additional information can be found at https://www.weather.gov/rlx as well as on our X and Facebook pages.
Cold Weather Advisory
Cold Weather Advisory issued February 6 at 12:15PM EST until February 7 at 12:00PM EST by NWS Wilmington OH
WHAT Very cold wind chills as low as 9 below zero expected.
WHERE Portions of east central and southeast Indiana, northeast and northern Kentucky, and south central and southwest Ohio.
WHEN From 1 AM to noon EST Saturday.
IMPACTS The cold wind chills as low as 10 below zero could result in hypothermia if precautions are not taken.
Dress in layers including a hat, face mask, and gloves if you must go outside.
Winter Weather Advisory
Winter Weather Advisory issued February 6 at 12:17PM EST until February 7 at 7:00AM EST by NWS Jackson KY
WHAT A period of snow is expected, mainly this afternoon, followed by a resurgence of snow showers later tonight. The snow may mix with rain this afternoon. Total snow accumulations of up to two inches are forecast, except locally higher 2 to 4 inch amounts possible above 2,000 feet.
WHERE Harlan, Letcher, and Pike Counties.
WHEN Until 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. The latest road conditions for Kentucky can be found by visiting https://goky.ky.gov.
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued February 6 at 1:56PM EST by NWS Wilmington OH
Although snow has ended, some slick spots may remain on roadways. Additionally, gusty northwesterly winds could result in some blowing and drifting snow tonight.
Winter Weather Advisory
Winter Weather Advisory issued February 6 at 2:05PM EST until February 7 at 7:00AM EST by NWS Jackson KY
WHAT Snow. Snow accumulations of up to 1 inch are expected tonight in valleys and up to 2 inches at elevations above 2,000 feet.
WHERE Harlan, Letcher, and Pike Counties.
WHEN 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.
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued February 6 at 2:18PM EST by NWS Jackson KY
An arctic cold front will bring snow showers and the possibility of an isolated snow squall tonight. The favored time window for these snow showers and any squall is between 10 PM and 4 AM, with the threat beginning first along the I-64 corridor and lingering latest near the Kentucky-Tennessee border. Any accumulations should be minimal, generally under one half inch, but rapidly dropping temperatures could lead to slippery travel in some areas. Visibilities could drop suddenly under any squall that materializes. Anyone traveling tonight is advised to exercise caution and allow extra time to reach their destination.
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued February 6 at 2:58PM EST by NWS Louisville KY
Another Arctic cold front will drop into the region from the north tonight. Just ahead of the front, a band of snow showers and a few snow squalls are expected to drop southward through the region. The most favored time for this activity will be between 900 PM and 4 AM EST. Much of the snow shower activity will move across central and eastern Kentucky, mainly east of the I-65 corridor. Any accumulations look to be minimal and likely under a half of an inch. However, this snow falling at night and temperatures dropping into the 20s may result in areas of slick travel tonight along with reduced visibility within the snow showers. If you have travel plans for late tonight or early Saturday, you should exercise caution and allow extra time to reach your destination.
Winter Weather Advisory
Winter Weather Advisory issued February 6 at 5:37PM EST until February 7 at 1:00AM EST by NWS Charleston WV
WHAT Snow. Additional snow accumulations up to one inch.
WHERE Portions of northeast Kentucky and southeast Ohio.
WHEN Until 1 AM EST Saturday.
IMPACTS Plan on slippery road conditions, including during the evening commute. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...While the first round of snow was over, refreeze this evening and another round of snow showers and falling temperatures with an arctic front tonight could still create hazardous travel conditions.
Slow down and use caution while traveling. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1 or by accessing the online traffic and roadway portal for your state. Additional information can be found at https://www.weather.gov/rlx as well as on our X and Facebook pages.
Cold Weather Advisory
Cold Weather Advisory issued February 6 at 6:04PM EST until February 7 at 12:00PM EST by NWS Wilmington OH
WHAT Very cold wind chills as low as 9 below zero expected.
WHERE Portions of east central and southeast Indiana, northeast and northern Kentucky, and south central and southwest Ohio.
WHEN From 1 AM to noon EST Saturday.
IMPACTS The cold wind chills as low as 10 below zero could result in hypothermia if precautions are not taken.
Dress in layers including a hat, face mask, and gloves if you must go outside.
Winter Weather Advisory
Winter Weather Advisory issued February 6 at 9:29PM EST until February 7 at 7:00AM EST by NWS Jackson KY
WHAT Snow showers. Snow accumulations up to 1 inch are expected tonight in valleys and up to 2 inches at elevations above 2,000 feet.
WHERE Harlan, Letcher, and Pike Counties.
WHEN 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.
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued February 6 at 9:37PM EST by NWS Jackson KY
An arctic cold front will bring snow showers and the possibility of an isolated snow squall tonight. The favored time window for these snow showers and any squall is before 4 AM EST on Saturday morning. This threat will linger the longest near the Kentucky- Tennessee border and the Kentucky-Virginia border. Any accumulations should be minimal, generally under one half of an inch, but rapidly falling temperatures overnight could lead to slippery travel in some areas. Visibilities could drop suddenly under any squall that materializes. Those traveling tonight are advised to exercise caution and allow extra time to reach their destination.
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued February 6 at 9:54PM EST by NWS Wilmington OH
As temperatures continue to fall, residual moisture may freeze on roadways. In addition, gusty winds of 25-35 MPH may lead to some snow drifting over roads as well. Motorists are urged to use caution overnight into Saturday morning.
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued February 6 at 10:52PM EST by NWS Jackson KY
An arctic cold front will bring snow showers and the possibility of an isolated snow squall tonight. The activity will initially be mixed with drizzle or freezing drizzle in some areas before transitioning to all snow after midnight. The favored time window for these snow showers and any squall is between midnight and 4 AM EST on Saturday morning. This threat will linger the longest near the Kentucky-Tennessee border. Any accumulations should be minimal, with a light glaze of ice possible and snow accumulations of generally under one half of an inch. However, rapidly falling temperatures overnight could lead to slippery travel in some areas. Visibilities could drop suddenly under any squall that materializes. Those traveling tonight are advised to exercise caution and allow extra time to reach their destination.
Winter Weather Advisory
Winter Weather Advisory issued February 6 at 10:58PM EST until February 7 at 7:00AM EST by NWS Jackson KY
WHAT Snow showers. The snow may be mixed with drizzle or freezing drizzle in some areas before 2 AM EST. A light glaze of ice accumulation is possible. Snow accumulations up to 1 inch are expected in the valleys and up to 2 inches at elevations above 2,000 feet.
WHERE Harlan, Letcher, and Pike Counties.
WHEN 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 February 7 at 12:53AM EST until February 7 at 1:00AM EST by NWS Charleston WV
The threat has ended. While the first round of snow was over, refreeze tonight, and another round of snow showers and falling temperatures with an arctic front could still create hazardous travel conditions.
Cold Weather Advisory
Cold Weather Advisory issued February 7 at 2:21AM EST until February 7 at 12:00PM EST by NWS Wilmington OH
WHAT Very cold wind chills as low as 10 below zero.
WHERE Portions of east central and southeast Indiana, northeast and northern Kentucky, and south central and southwest Ohio.
WHEN Until noon EST today.
IMPACTS The cold wind chills could result in hypothermia if precautions are not taken.
Dress in layers including a hat, face mask, and gloves if you must go outside.
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued February 7 at 1:35PM EST by NWS Jackson KY
Confidence is increasing that a narrow band of light snow will impact portions of the area Sunday morning, primarily between 7 AM and noon. Within this band, a quick 1 inch of accumulation is possible; however, locations just outside of this narrow swath will likely see little to no snow. The exact placement of this snowband remains uncertain. Currently, the highest probabilities for 1 inch of accumulation are across northeast Kentucky, generally northeast of a line from Morehead to West Liberty to Prestonsburg and Elkhorn City. Note that this axis of higher accumulation could still shift slightly northeast or southwest as the system develops. Those with travel plans Sunday morning are encouraged to monitor the latest forecasts. Be prepared for rapidly changing visibilities and potentially slick, wintry driving conditions developing over short distances.
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued February 7 at 2:25PM EST by NWS Louisville KY
The latest forecasts suggest that a narrow band of light snow will impact portions of the Bluegrass region of central Kentucky Sunday morning. The time of light snow appears to favor the 700 am to Noon EST timeframe. Snowfall accumulations of a coating to an inch will be possible. Again, this band will be quite narrow and areas outside this swath will likely see little to no snow. The exact placement of this snowband remains uncertain. Currently, the highest probabilities of an inch of snow are across northeast portions of the Bluegrass region including the counties of Scott, Harrison, Bourbon, and Nicholas. This band could shift a little northeast or southwest and could impact areas as far west as western Woodford and Fayette counties. Those with travel plans Sunday morning are encouraged to monitor the latest forecasts. Be prepared for rapidly changing visibilitiesand potentially slick driving conditions.
Arctic Front: Bitter Cold and Light Mountain Snow
A potent arctic cold front will sweep across Kentucky on Saturday, ushering in the coldest air mass of the winter season so far. While the front is moisture-starved for western and central Kentucky, it will deliver a brief window of light snow to the eastern half of the state, with accumulations primarily focused in the Southeast Coalfields. Temperatures will crash throughout the morning, with wind chills dropping into the single digits.
Confidence Assessment
High confidence in the arctic temperature crash and wind chill impacts. Moderate confidence in the light snow accumulations due to the very thin nature of the moisture profile.
Get Personalized Forecasts
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Purchase Area
Expect a sunny but chilly day across the Purchase. While the sun will be out, it won't provide much warmth as temperatures struggle to reach 40 degrees.
Northwest Pennyrile
A very cold day is in store with temperatures remaining near or below freezing despite clear skies. Wind chills will stay in the teens all morning.
Southwest Pennyrile
Plenty of sunshine today, but you'll need the heavy winter coat. Northwest winds will keep it feeling very cold throughout the afternoon.
Barren River
Clouds will clear by afternoon, but a biting wind will make for a raw day. Morning wind chills will hover in the mid-teens.
Louisville Metro
Temperatures will drop through the morning hours. Expect a dusting of snow flurries before sunrise, followed by a very cold and breezy afternoon.
Lincoln Trail
Clouds will linger for much of the morning before clearing. Wind chills in the single digits and teens will make for a very cold day.
Lake Cumberland
A mix of sun and clouds with cold winds blowing across the lake. Temperatures will stay below the freezing mark all day.
Northern Kentucky
Northern Kentucky will see the coldest temperatures in the state. A light dusting of snow is possible early, with wind chills dropping near zero.
Inner Bluegrass
Lexington will experience a frozen day with temperatures struggling to reach the mid-20s. A quick coating of snow is possible before 9 AM.
Bluegrass Foothills
Gray skies and very cold temperatures will dominate. A light dusting of snow may occur in the morning hours before skies clear slightly.
Northeast Kentucky
Expect a light dusting of snow during the morning commute. Temperatures will remain very cold throughout the day with biting winds.
Southeast Kentucky
Light snow will fall through the morning, leaving around an inch of accumulation in the higher elevations. Watch for slick spots on bridges.
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 trailing shortwave slows over the Southeast, orographic enhancement could squeeze out 2 inches of fluffy snow in the mountains, with a widespread dusting reaching as far west as I-65.
The 'Bust' Scenario
If the mid-level dry slot is more aggressive as suggested by the NAM, the front passes entirely dry for everyone but the highest peaks, leaving the state with only a 'dry' arctic blast.
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 Moisture Scarcity Conflict
The GFS and GEM suggest enough low-level saturation for a dusting of snow across the Bluegrass and Eastern KY, whereas the NAM and Euro keep the column too dry for measurable accumulation outside the mountains.
Why GEM Wins
The GEM correctly identifies the high Snow-to-Liquid Ratios (SLR) in an arctic profile, where even 0.02" of liquid can produce a visible dusting. Its resolution of the shallow DGZ saturation is superior in this setup.
Arctic Depth Divergence
Models disagree on the floor of the morning lows. The GFS is extremely aggressive with single digits in Northern KY, while the NAM is roughly 5-7 degrees warmer.
Why GFS Wins
The GFS tends to handle the magnitude of 1040mb arctic highs better in the 48-hour window, particularly regarding the density of the air mass spilling over the Ohio River.
Celestial Almanac
Waning Gibbous
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.