Weather-wise, the week started and ended on two opposite ends of the spectrum. The state saw above normal temperatures through Thursday with highs jumping into the 70s at times. Low humidity and breezy conditions once again led to an elevated fire risk. In fact, numerous fires were seen across Eastern Kentucky. Thankfully, much of this area saw significant rainfall on Friday as the remnants of Tropical Storm Nicole pushed through the area. Overall, Eastern Kentucky averaged 1.48 inches, but totals dropped significantly to the west. This event was followed by a strong cold front, ushering very chilly air into the region. Highs only topped out in the mid to upper 30s over the weekend, about 20 degrees below normal. In addition, the state saw another round of precipitation on Saturday, but this time, a large portion of Western Kentucky and up into the Bluegrass saw snow. Some along the Ohio River saw 1-2+ inches.
Temperatures for the period averaged 53 degrees across the state which was 3 degrees warmer than normal and 10 degrees cooler than the previous period. High temperatures averaged from 63 in the West to 64 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 1 degree warmer than normal in the West to 3 degrees warmer than normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 45 degrees in the West to 45 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 5 degrees warmer than normal in the West to 9 degrees warmer than normal in the East. The extreme high temperature for the period was 83 degrees at PADUCAH ASOS and the extreme low was 24 degrees at PIKEVILLE 13S.
Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 0.99 inches statewide which was 0.18 inches above normal and 123% of normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 0.31 inches, Central 1.02 inches, Bluegrass 1.16 inches and East 1.48 inches, which was -0.65, 0.18, 0.46 and 0.75 inches respectively from normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.17 inches at HOPKINSVILLE 6N to a high of 2.10 inches at BIG SANDY.
Categories: Kentucky, Weather