Beginning next week, everyone should begin preparing for a significant shift in the weather pattern. A significant polar outbreak is anticipated. By the end of the week, the real air temperatures might drop below zero. By Friday, the wind chill might reach the mid-teens. The potential systems that could bring winter precipitation to Kentucky next week will be impacted by this polar vortex. It is still unclear how big of an impact it will have on them.

Looking at the 00z GFS, there is a possibility of an increase in the amount of snow some could receive Sunday/Monday. It is still too early to predict any possible accumulations. 

 

 

 

 

I just wanted to get on and update everyone about the polar vortex that will affect Kentucky next week. I've checked historical weather data, and the last time it was this cold in January in Kentucky was 1994, according to weatherspark.com. When air temperatures reach -20°F.

 

 

 

The arctic temperatures will start Tuesday morning with lows in the single digits and windchills -5°F. These will be the best temps and windchills until Friday. Thursday morning could see temperatures in the negative teens for a majority of Kentucky and the wind chills as low as -22°F. Everyone should be preparing for these possible life-threatening threats of cold temperatures.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Climate Prediction Center has Kentucky in a high-risk area for hazordus temperature 1/9-1/12.