Wednesday severe risk expanded in Kentucky, more storms coming later in the week

Strong storms scattered throughout the Louisville metro area could grow to be severe Wednesday, though the risk for tornadoes will not be as high as it was earlier this spring.

The National Weather Service's Wednesday forecast for Louisville called for a "slight chance" of showers and thunderstorms during the daytime. It could be very windy at times, with gusts reaching up to 20 mph.

Wednesday night could look different, as the weather service in Louisville pinned a chance of rain at 50%. Rainfall totals could be higher in thunderstorms, but city residents can expect to receive between a tenth and a quarter-inch of rain. Winds will gradually calm overnight, according to the weather service's forecast.

Severe risk for Wednesday includes more of Kentucky

Louisville remains at a "slight risk" for severe weather Wednesday, but parts of central, eastern and southern Kentucky, including Lexington and Bowling Green, are now included in the same category.

In a morning update posted on its website, the National Weather Service in Louisville said the main severe threats Wednesday were damaging winds, localized flooding and hail. There is a "very low chance for tornadoes" Wednesday, according to the weather service's forecast.

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Another severe weather chance Sunday

The forecast could change later in the week, but an estimate from the Storm Prediction Center has parts of western Kentucky, not including Louisville, in an area where there is a 30% chance for severe weather. Louisville, along with much of Kentucky, has a 15% chance of severe storms Sunday.

Brian Neudorff, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Louisville, said anyone with plans for outdoor activities Sunday should also prepare for severe weather.

"With a cold front coming, more storms could be flaring up and they could potentially be severe," Neudorff said in an interview Tuesday with The Courier Journal. "It's going to be an active weekend as waves of showers come through."

More storms expected this later this week. When will they arrive?

In terms of rain, Louisville could see another tenth to a quarter-inch on the ground Thursday. The weather service expects another round of thunderstorms for Louisville, which could drive up rainfall totals.

Thunderstorms are also possible Friday. Though most of the metro area could see rain, it will likely be light, or less than a tenth of an inch, the weather service stated in its Louisville forecast.

Gazebo Festival attendees may want to keep an eye out for storms Saturday, but the National Weather Service predicts the sun should at least partly appear while musicians are on stage at Waterfront Park.

How warm will it be this weekend?

Louisville temperatures may not touch the 90s this weekend, but it will still feel like summer. Highs will hover in the low 80s Wednesday through Sunday, according to the National Weather Service. Nearby cities in Kentucky and southern Indiana can expect similar conditions.

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Louisville forecast

Wednesday night: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 65. West wind around 6 mph becoming calm in the evening. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Thursday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 5pm, then showers and thunderstorms likely after 5 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 79. Calm wind becoming south around 6 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Thursday night: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 8 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 65. Light and variable wind. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Friday: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. High near 82. Calm wind becoming south 5 to 7 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Friday night: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 8 p.m, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 8pm. Low around 66. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Saturday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 84.

Saturday night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 2 a.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 64.

Sunday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8am, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm between 8 a.m and 2 p.m, then showers and thunderstorms likely after 2pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 82. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Sunday night: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Low around 67. Chance of precipitation is 80%.

Monday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly sunny, with a high near 81. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

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

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