Good morning WABBLES, and Happy Thursday (well maybe not for some). Today we wll continue to have rather extreme heat much like the past few days, a risk of severe weather, and below will be a look into the next few days. Here’s a hint, it’s still going to be hot, hot, HOT!
Warm Front Treks Towards WABBLES
A warm front will be pushing its way towards us today, thus bringing the thunderstorms and rain we are expecting. WABBLES is currently under a slight (2/5) risk for severe weather according to the SPC. The highest factors are damaging winds (15%) and hail (5%).
Showers will begin approaching the WABBLES region near noon, but the stronger line of storms will breach in the evening. Showers, however, will be prominent for the majority of the day. While there are storms approaching, it is still important to note the high temperatures for the day and just why exactly this warm front is not in our favor…
Unbearable Heat To Come..
WABBLES is also currently under a heat advisory that will take place all of Friday. Humidity levels will be relatively high, as well as temperatures reaching a maximum of near 100o. With this and the skies forecasting to be mostly sunny, this will also leave ample room for convection. This means a pop up shower/storm or two cannot be ruled out either, especially with us still being under a slight severe risk.
Heat Awarness: Be Prepared.
With Friday’s forecast looking to be unfavorable, it is important to take care of yourselves and remember a few things in order to prevent heat illnesses. On average, extreme heat has killed more people in the last 10 years than any other weather phenomena (National Weather Service). Here are a few suggestions for handling the heat:
- Hydrate! Drink plenty of water and drinks with electrolytes.
- DO NOT leave children or animals (or anyone actually) in the car with no air conditioning or the windows up. According to the NWS, temperatures inside cars can reach up to 140o in just minutes!
- Be careful when walking animals. Their paws can easily get hurt walking on the hot pavement.
- Avoid going out during the hottest times of the day. Take frequent breaks if working during the heat of the day.
- Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing. If you must go out, use sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed hat. Remember that sunburn reduces the skin’s ability to provide cooling.
- Inside during the day, keep shades drawn and blinds closed. Use air conditioning whenever available. Even just two hours per day in air conditioning can significantly reduce the risk of heat-related illness.
Damage Survey Results
As most of the community knows, the 25th and 26th we had some severe weather that left WABBLES without power, with damaged homes and even uprooted trees. The National Weather Service at Louisville conducted surveys that have determined the damage here was cause by intense straight-line winds, and in fact not a tornado (for WABBLES, at least). The graphic below illustrates the damage paths within Kentucky and what was the actual cause of them as well.
Thanks for reading, and that is all for Thursday’s blog! Be sure to follow our social media below to get the most recent weather updates from us.
