Severe Thunderstorms and Heavy Rainfall in the Southern Plains; Heat Continues in the West

Strong to severe thunderstorms may bring areas of excessive rainfall and flooding over parts of the southern Plains today through Friday. Hot to dangerously hot temperatures are forecast across portions of the Pacific Northwest and southern Great Basin today. Gusty winds, dry, and hot conditions will bring critical fire weather to parts of central Washington state today. Read More >

Although this summer started off dry with drought conditions in the Blue Grass, we entered an active pattern by mid-June that lasted into early August. From June 25 to August 12 the region averaged a severe weather event every three and a half days. Storms brough torrential rains, large hail, strong winds, and a total of eleven tornadoes. The strongest twister was an EF-2 that struck Hardin County about three miles west of Cecilia on June 25.

The season ended up being slightly on the cool side for many locations. Louisville had its fewest 90 degrees days in the June-August period since 2009. Summer did end on a hot note, though, as a heat wave swept through the region August 21-26. Temperatures reached the 90s each day, culminating on the 25th with some locations approaching 100°. Dew points from the mid 70s to low 80s on the 25th led to heat index readings over 110°.

June Summary

July Summary

August Summary

	Average Temperature	Departure from Normal	Precipitation	Departure from Normal
Bowling Green	77.2°	-0.9°	13.70"	+1.04"
Frankfort	73.9°	-1.8°	12.45"	+0.27"
Lexington	75.3°	+0.1°	14.47"	+0.68"
Louisville Ali	77.7°	-0.7°	12.30"	+0.27"
Louisville Bowman	74.9°	-2.3°	11.61"	-1.16"