National Weather Service United States Department of Commerce

Thunderstorms and Heavy Rain in the Mid-South; Heat Continues in the Southeast and Southwest

Severe thunderstorms and heavy rain are expected across portions of the mid-Mississippi Valley into the Ohio Valley and portions of Arizona. Dangerous heat persists in the South and Southeast while building into the Southwest. Overnight lows will be so warm that, when combined with oppressive dew points, little-to-no relief from the scorching daytime highs will be available. 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"

 

EF2 tornado damage in Hardin County, Kentucky on June 25, 2023

Tornado damage in Hardin County on June 25. NWS drone storm survey