Good Wednesday, everyone. Our historic storm known as Harvey is going to have a big impact on the bluegrass state later this week into the holiday weekend. What’s left of the system will move right on top of us, bringing a significant flood threat to the region.

Before Harvey gets here, we are dealing with isolated showers and storms out there today, with a greater concentration across the southern half of the state. The rains across the far south and southwest may be an overachiever today, and that’s something to keep a close eye on…


Harvey is making another landfall early today, this time across Louisiana. The storm will then lift to the north and northeast and roll across Kentucky by Saturday. The track from the National Hurricane Center continues to match the one I made for you guys this past weekend…

cone graphic

I’m concerned about flooding developing across the region. The heaviest rains will be along and north/west of the center of circulation as it rides into Kentucky…

Here’s my current thinking on the rain numbers…

There is likely to be an area of greater than 6″ rains, I just can’t pinpoint that yet. The above numbers would be enough to cause high water issues, especially Friday and Friday night. I will update the numbers and placement later today.

The heavy rains will end from west to east Saturday afternoon and evening.

Some other thoughts on the setup:

  • Winds with this system can top 30mph at times from Thursday night through Friday night.
  • Some local 40mph gusts will be possible as Harvey first enters Kentucky
  • Temps to the north and west of the track of the low can absolutely tank at times. Many areas may spend much of Friday into Saturday with temps in the low and middle 60s. We may even see 50s show up at times during the afternoon hours. Southeast of the low will be milder.

All of this leave us quickly enough to give us a pleasant Sunday and Labor day.

After that, the extreme weather continues with one of the coolest looking early season patterns I can ever remember. Another big front moves in here by the middle of next week, with the potential for another tropical system impacting some of the devastated areas of Texas and Louisiana…

The shot of chill coming down from Canada is a beast…

That’s one amazing look and I can’t recall models that cold looking during the first week of September. Near record lows are possible later next week into next weekend.

At the same time, don’t be surprised to see a hurricane cruising toward the southeastern coastline.

From western heat to Harvey to the chill to additional tropical systems, things as extreme as you will ever find them across the country.

I will update things later today, so check back. Make it a great day and take care.