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Kentucky AI Weather Engine

Kentucky AI Forecasting Beta

This is the GEM model's output only

You're viewing raw atmospheric data from the GEM (Global Environmental Multiscale Model (CMC)). This is just one model's interpretation and it may disagree with the other models.

Our AI uses this data (along with other models) to create the final forecast. Don't treat this as the definitive answer.

View the Synthesized Forecast Instead

GEM Forecast Data

Global Environmental Multiscale Model (CMC)

The GEM is the primary global weather prediction model operated by the Canadian Meteorological Centre (CMC). It is known for its high-quality synoptic guidance and its tendency to handle arctic air masses with high precision. GEM provides a crucial independent perspective from the American (GFS) and European (ECMWF) global systems, often excelling at identifying moisture-starved cold fronts and high-pressure centers that impact Kentucky's winter weather patterns.

resolution
15km horizontal, 80 vertical levels
domain
Global coverage
update Frequency
Twice daily (00, 12 UTC)
forecast Length
240 hours
physics
Global Environmental Multiscale (GEM) dynamic core
data Assimilation
Hybrid 4D-EnVar

Unseasonable Warmth and Gusty Winds Dominate

Kentucky is in for a taste of early summer this Thursday. Most of the state will enjoy sunny skies and afternoon highs reaching the low to mid-80s, which is significantly above the average for late March. It will be a perfect day for outdoor activities, though you should be prepared for breezy conditions.

The only fly in the ointment is a very light chance for a few showers in the morning for those near the Ohio River and Northern Kentucky. These will be brief and likely won't result in much more than a few wet windshields before the sun breaks through for the afternoon.

Wind will be a factor everywhere. Expect southwest winds to pick up by midday, with occasional gusts between 30 and 35 mph. These winds will stay active through the evening before settling down late at night.

Why is this happening?
Technical explanation of the atmospheric setup

Regional Conditions

PURCHASE

Paducah, Murray, Mayfield
Condition
Sunny
Warm and Breezy in the Purchase
Expect a beautiful but windy day with highs reaching the low 80s. Winds will be strongest in the afternoon.
Temperature
High
83°
Low
66°
Feels Like
65°
Precipitation
Chance
10%
Wind
17 mph

NORTHWEST PENNYRILE

Owensboro, Henderson, Morganfield
Condition
Sunny
Sunny and Unseasonably Warm
Owensboro and surrounding areas will see plenty of sun and warm temperatures today. Winds will gust to 30 mph at times.
Temperature
High
83°
Low
67°
Feels Like
67°
Precipitation
Chance
10%
Wind
18 mph

SOUTHWEST PENNYRILE

Hopkinsville, Madisonville, Princeton
Condition
Sunny
Early Summer Heat for Hopkinsville
Temperatures will push toward the mid-80s under bright sunshine. Expect a steady breeze throughout the day.
Temperature
High
84°
Low
65°
Feels Like
64°
Precipitation
Chance
10%
Wind
18 mph

BARREN RIVER

Bowling Green, Glasgow, Franklin
Condition
Sunny
Bright Skies and Warm Breezes
It will be a very warm afternoon in Bowling Green with highs near 84. Expect gusty winds around 30 mph.
Temperature
High
84°
Low
63°
Feels Like
61°
Precipitation
Chance
10%
Wind
19 mph

LOUISVILLE METRO

Louisville, La Grange, Shepherdsville
Condition
Sunny
Record Heat Potential for Louisville
Louisville will experience summer-like heat today. Skies will clear by the afternoon, and winds will be gusty.
Temperature
High
84°
Low
66°
Feels Like
66°
Precipitation
Chance
10%
Wind
15 mph sustained, gusts to 33 mph

LINCOLN TRAIL

Elizabethtown, Bardstown, Leitchfield
Condition
Sunny
Sunny and Windy across the Trail
A beautiful day is expected with lots of sunshine and temperatures well into the 80s.
Temperature
High
82°
Low
64°
Feels Like
63°
Precipitation
Chance
10%
Wind
16 mph

LAKE CUMBERLAND

Somerset, Columbia, Monticello
Condition
Sunny
Warm and Fair at the Lake
Expect clear skies and high temperatures around 80 degrees. It will be breezy, especially near the water.
Temperature
High
80°
Low
60°
Feels Like
59°
Precipitation
Chance
10%
Wind
13 mph sustained, gusts to 29 mph

NORTHERN KY

Covington, Florence, Independence
NUISANCE
Condition
Rain
Morning Sprinkles Followed by Windy Heat
A few light rain showers are possible this morning, but they won't last long. By afternoon, the sun will be out and temperatures will hit 81. Wind will be the main story here. Expect gusts up to 36 mph in the afternoon, which may blow around loose outdoor items.
Temperature
High
81°
Low
61°
Feels Like
61°
Precipitation
Chance
80%
Rain
0 - 0.01"
Wind
14 mph sustained, gusts to 36 mph

BLUEGRASS CORE

Lexington, Georgetown, Winchester
Condition
Sunny
Sunny and Very Breezy in the Bluegrass
Lexington will see sunny skies and warm temps today. Winds will be noticeable, with gusts over 30 mph at times.
Temperature
High
82°
Low
62°
Feels Like
61°
Precipitation
Chance
10%
Wind
18 mph

BLUEGRASS FOOTHILLS

Richmond, Danville, Berea
Condition
Sunny
Warm Skies and Strong Gusts
Richmond and Berea will be warm and sunny. Keep an eye on the wind, as gusts will reach 34 mph by evening.
Temperature
High
80°
Low
62°
Feels Like
61°
Precipitation
Chance
10%
Wind
13 mph sustained, gusts to 34 mph

NORTHEAST KY

Ashland, Morehead, Grayson
Condition
Sunny
Sunny Skies Return to Ashland
After some morning clouds, it will be a bright and warm afternoon with highs reaching 80.
Temperature
High
80°
Low
61°
Feels Like
60°
Precipitation
Chance
10%
Wind
11 mph sustained, gusts to 33 mph

SOUTHEAST COALFIELDS

Hazard, Pikeville, Harlan
Condition
Sunny
Pleasant and Mild in the Mountains
The mountains will stay slightly cooler but still very pleasant with highs in the upper 70s and clear skies.
Temperature
High
78°
Low
58°
Feels Like
58°
Precipitation
Chance
10%
Wind
8 mph sustained, gusts to 27 mph

Technical Analyses

To generate the forecast, our AI system analyzed multiple atmospheric layers and variables from the GEM model. Each chart below represents a different aspect of the atmosphere—from the jet stream at 30,000 feet down to surface conditions—providing crucial pieces of the weather puzzle.

The AI model extracted key meteorological features from each analysis, identified patterns and conflicts between different atmospheric levels, and synthesized this information into a coherent forecast. For example, surface temperatures might suggest snow, but upper-level warmth could mean rain instead. The model weighs these factors to determine the most likely outcome based on historical precedent.

Below you'll find detailed breakdowns of each atmospheric analysis that contributed to the forecast, including what the model shows and how it influences Kentucky's weather.

Thermodynamics

Stability & Temperatures

How temperature changes with altitude. This determines whether precipitation falls as rain, snow, sleet, or freezing rain based on the vertical temperature profile.

Vertical Temperature Stack

The vertical temperature profile across the state is characterized by a deep, well-mixed boundary layer (up to ~800-750mb). A strong thermal ridge at 850mb (+15C) is driving the anomalous surface heat.

Thermal Boundary Location

The effective thermal boundary (freezing line) is situated well north of the Great Lakes, leaving Kentucky in a broad, warm tropical air mass.

Diurnal Trend

Temperature trends are strictly diurnal, with rapid morning heating following the dissipation of any localized shallow inversions or morning clouds in the north.

Kinematics

Wind & Energy

Wind patterns and atmospheric energy. Frontal passages, jet stream positioning, and vorticity tell us where and when lift will generate precipitation.

Frontal Passage

No frontal passage occurred. Kentucky is entrenched in the warm sector of a large synoptic system centered over the Central Plains.

Jet Stream Support

A 90-100kt upper-level jet is located to our north. The state is in the right-exit region, which generally promotes subsidence (sinking air) and clear skies, though it is providing the momentum for surface gusts.

Energy Status

The atmosphere is energetically quiet with broad anticyclonic flow and very low relative vorticity values.

Hydrology

Moisture & Precipitation

Moisture content and precipitation character. This reveals whether the atmosphere is saturated enough to produce precipitation, and what type to expect (steady vs. bursts).

Saturation Status

The atmospheric column is generally dry. Northern Kentucky shows some mid-level saturation (700mb) in the morning, but high dewpoint depressions at the surface (15-20F) will likely result in most rain evaporating before reaching the ground (Virga).

Precipitation Character

If any precipitation reaches the surface in the north, it will be light and stratiform in nature.

Flooding Context

Hydrologic conditions are stable. No precipitation-related flooding is anticipated.

GEM Raw Data For
Friday, 3/27/2026
GEM Raw Data For
Saturday, 3/28/2026
GEM Raw Data For
Sunday, 3/29/2026
GEM Raw Data For
Monday, 3/30/2026
GEM Raw Data For
Tuesday, 3/31/2026
GEM Raw Data For
Wednesday, 4/1/2026
GEM Raw Data For
Thursday, 4/2/2026

Technical Model Notes

The Global Environmental Multiscale (GEM) model is an integrated forecasting and data assimilation system developed by the Atmospheric Numerical Prediction Research (RPN) group and the Canadian Meteorological Centre (CMC).

GEM is unique in its use of a global variable-resolution grid, which allows for higher precision over specific regions while maintaining a global synoptic context.