Several potentially strong storms could impact Louisville through Memorial Day weekend

Multiple rounds of rain with potential to be severe at times could hit Louisville Wednesday through the Memorial Day weekend, the National Weather Service in Louisville said Tuesday.

Strong storms are likely to be scattered throughout the metro area Wednesday. Up to a half-inch of rain could fall locally Wednesday night, according to a forecast from the National Weather Service.

Louisville is under a "slight risk" for severe weather Wednesday, with damaging winds and small hail expected to be the main hazards in the afternoon and evening hours, NWS meteorologist Brian Neudorff said.

Neudorff said he doesn't expect the severe weather risk for Wednesday to increase to a "moderate risk" or higher. The strongest storms are forecast to be in the upper Midwest, such as Iowa and Wisconsin.

Storm chances for Memorial Day weekend

Severe weather is possible Sunday, but as of Tuesday, there were not enough details to determine what the main threats could be, Neudorff said.

"With a cold front coming, more storms could be flaring up and they could potentially be severe," he said. "It's going to be an active weekend as waves of showers come through."

Neudorff said Louisville residents can best plan ahead for possible weekend storms by checking the forecast periodically, not just once.

"Since there are parades, concerts and other outdoor activities planned for Sunday, you will want to stay weather aware, checking the forecast on your favorite weather app throughout the day," Neudorff said. "You will also want to have a plan for when severe storms arrive."

What is the severe weather evacuation plan at Gazebo Festival?

If severe weather is in the forecast during the Gazebo Festival, concertgoers will receive updates about the festival's status from on-stage screens and social media, according to the event's website.

"In the event of a weather evacuation, fans will be readmitted through the main festival entrances once we’ve received the all clear," according to a statement from the website reads. "Please know that we will adjust the performance schedule accordingly, so no one has to choose between safety and a good time."

More: When is Gazebo Festival? Here's everything to know about Jack Harlow's two-day music festival

Louisville forecast

Wednesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 11am. Partly sunny, with a high near 84. South wind 8 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Wednesday night: Showers and thunderstorms likely, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 11pm. Low around 65. South wind 3 to 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Thursday: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. High near 79. Calm wind becoming southwest around 6 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Thursday night: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 8pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 65. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Friday: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. High near 80. Chance of precipitation is 90%.

Friday night: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 67.

Saturday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 83.

Saturday night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 2am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 62.

Sunday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 79. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Sunday night: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 63. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Memorial Day: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 81.

Reach reporter Leo Bertucci at lbertucci@gannett.com or @leober2chee on X, formerly known as Twitter

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Louisville severe weather forecast Memorial Day weekend