The National Weather Service reports that a notable warm-up is on the way over the next couple of days. High pressure will gradually move off to our east, making way for warmer and more humid southerly winds to flow into the area starting today. This will mark a significant change from the recent cooler conditions, with high temperatures expected to reach the upper 50s and possibly even approach 60 degrees on both today and tomorrow.
However, this warmer weather comes with a cost. By tonight and continuing through tomorrow, a cold front is expected to sweep in from the west. This system will likely bring a period of significant rainfall, with widespread showers expected. The probability of precipitation is high—generally between 80% and 100%. There is also a chance for a few embedded thunderstorms to develop within this system.
Forecast models suggest that rainfall totals will range from half an inch to a full inch across much of the region, with a 50% to 70% chance of exceeding half an inch, especially in western Kentucky and southwest Indiana. While a widespread severe weather outbreak is not anticipated, the mix of abundant moisture and strong winds associated with the front could result in some stronger wind gusts at the surface, which will be closely monitored.
After this system passes, much cooler temperatures are expected to return. On Friday, highs will likely remain below average, struggling to climb out of the 30s and only reaching the low 40s at best. The weekend forecast looks somewhat unsettled, with chances for scattered showers, mainly from late Saturday into Sunday. However, rainfall amounts should remain light.