Louisville is starting Friday clear and already muggy, with temperatures around 75 degrees and humidity near 94%. The bigger problem arrives this afternoon, when sunny skies help push the temperature close to 99 degrees and the heat index as high as 107.
A Heat Advisory remains in effect through 8 p.m. Saturday, according to the National Weather Service. The advisory covers Louisville and surrounding areas, where prolonged heat and high humidity could cause heat illness.
Friday Brings Little Relief
Winds will stay light from the west at 1 to 5 mph, with mostly sunny skies and only a small chance of rain. Temperatures will remain elevated tonight, dipping to around 77 degrees, so the overnight hours will offer limited relief from the heat.
Saturday will be slightly cooler but still hazardous, with a high near 96 and heat index values near 105. A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms arrives Saturday afternoon, mainly after 3 p.m., with a better chance of storms Saturday evening before 2 a.m.
Cooler Air Arrives Sunday
The weekend finally turns more manageable Sunday, when mostly sunny skies and a northeast breeze help lower the high to about 89 degrees. Sunday night should be mostly clear with a low around 65, followed by a sunny Labor Day Monday near 90.
The break will be brief. Highs climb back into the low to mid-90s Tuesday through Thursday, reaching about 96 Wednesday, while Thursday brings a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms.
NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information records show Louisville, Kentucky, experienced a record 120 consecutive hours at or above 80 degrees F from June 12-17, 2022.
Heat Safety Still Matters
Louisville residents should drink plenty of fluids, limit time outdoors during the hottest part of the day and use air conditioning when possible. Anyone working outside should take frequent breaks in shade or an air-conditioned space, and neighbors should check on older adults and others who may be especially vulnerable to the heat. Louisville Metro Government's Summer Heat Safety and Resources page lists cooling centers and other heat-relief options for residents who need a break from the heat. Louisville Metro Government, citing a study by Dr. Stone, says heat-related ailments contribute to the deaths of 86 Louisville residents each year. Louisville Metro Government warns that body temperature may rise to 106 degrees within 10 minutes during dangerous heat exposure.
