Storm Impacting the Northwest U.S.; Fire Weather Conditions in Southern California; Severe Weather in the South

A Pacific storm is bringing areas of low elevation rain, moderate to heavy mountain snow, and high winds to the Northwest. Strong Santa Ana winds and very dry conditions are producing elevated to critical fire weather conditions in southern California. Isolated strong to severe thunderstorms are possible through early Wednesday morning across parts of northeast Texas into western Tennessee. Read More >

While there have not been many records so far this month, the persistence of above-normal temperatures has translated to the warmest first half of May on record for Louisville, the second warmest for Lexington, and likely a top 5 finish for Bowling Green (depending on today's high and low, they could be third or fourth).

The next series of plots gives the temperature data so far this month, compared to normal and record values. Louisville just yesterday set a record high and warm low temperature, whereas Lexington also set a record high yesterday. Bowling Green has not set any daily record temperatures so far this month.

The above normal temperatures likely will continue through the 7-day forecast, but will depend on how much cloud cover we get with our higher rain chances through this work week. Looking beyond, the Climate Prediction Center's 8-14 day forecast continues to show a better chance for above-normal temperatures.