Louisville started Tuesday with clear skies and temperatures around 72 degrees, but the comfortable morning is a brief opening act. Afternoon temperatures are expected to surge to 96 degrees, with a heat index as high as 102.
Heat Advisory Covers The Next Three Days
The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory from Tuesday afternoon through 8 p.m. Thursday, when prolonged heat and humidity could push conditions into dangerous territory. The advisory covers Louisville and much of the surrounding region, with National Weather Service forecasters warning of limited relief overnight.
Wednesday will be sunny with a high near 97 and a heat index up to 104. Thursday could bring the hottest day of the stretch, with temperatures near 100, while southwest winds remain light at roughly 1 to 6 mph and rain stays out of the picture.
Warm Nights Keep The Heat Around
Tonight will be clear with a low around 76, followed by another 76-degree low Wednesday night and a low near 77 Thursday night. Those mild overnight temperatures mean homes, pavement and bodies will have little chance to cool down before the next round of afternoon heat.
The National Weather Service's Louisville forecast discussion describes a major heat risk through at least Thursday and notes that outdoor work or exercise in direct sunlight can become stressful quickly. Hydration, frequent breaks and time in air conditioning will matter more than usual, especially for older adults, children, outdoor workers and anyone without reliable cooling.
Storm Chances Return This Weekend
Friday will remain brutally hot, with a high near 99 and a slight chance of showers or thunderstorms after 2 p.m. Saturday brings a modest dip to around 94 with another slight chance of storms, while Sunday should be mostly sunny with a high near 90 and storms possible after 2 p.m.
Labor Day looks sunnier and still warm, with a high near 90 and no rain currently in the forecast. Louisville Metro's heat-safety page lists Neighborhood Place locations, community centers and library branches as possible cooling options during normal operating hours.
