Kentucky Weather Radar

Kentucky Live Weather

Kentucky Live Weather Radar

Click to toggle between the Kentucky cloud cover radar map and the Kentucky precipitation radar map.

Kentucky Hourly Weather Forecast

Kentucky 7-Day Weather Forecast

Kentucky Weather Overview

The Kentucky weather radar network monitors the Commonwealth from the Ohio River Valley in the north to the Cumberland Mountains. Kentucky averages 47.7 inches of annual precipitation, with a climate transitioning from humid subtropical in the south and west to continental conditions in the north — summers reach 82–91°F, winters average 40–47°F. Three NWS offices provide Kentucky weather radar Doppler coverage: WFO PAH (Paducah) for the west, WFO LMK (Louisville) for the center, and WFO JKL (Jackson) for eastern Kentucky.

Tornadoes are Kentucky's most catastrophic weather threat, peaking in spring but striking any month. The December 10, 2021 Western Kentucky EF4 tornado tracked 165.6 miles through Mayfield, Dawson Springs, and Princeton, killing 57 people — the deadliest December tornado in U.S. history. WFO PAH Kentucky weather radar issued critical warnings as the storm crossed 11 counties in under three hours at 190 mph. The state averages 20 tornadoes per year, and the Kentucky weather radar remains the first line of defense when supercells form across western and central Kentucky.

Flash flooding threatens every river basin — the Kentucky, Cumberland, and Ohio rivers all rise fast after heavy rain. Ice storms coat roads and pull down power lines when temperatures hover near 32°F. A state record low of -37°F hit Shelbyville in January 1994, proof that northern Kentucky faces continental winters. Monitor the Kentucky weather radar before driving I-75 or I-64 during winter systems, and check Doppler Kentucky weather radar during spring storm season across Louisville, Lexington, and Bowling Green.

Kentucky Weather Risks & Safety

Key weather hazards to monitor on the Kentucky weather radar

Tornado Risk

Tornadoes hit Kentucky hardest in spring and early summer, when warm Gulf air slams into cooler northern fronts. Supercell thunderstorms can spin up EF2+ tornadoes with very little lead time. On radar, rotation signatures inside storm cells give you a few critical minutes to reach shelter. Kentucky averages several tornado warnings per year — know where your safe room or interior closet is before you need it.

Flooding & Flash Flood Risk

Flash flooding is Kentucky's most persistent weather hazard. Slow-moving thunderstorms or tropical moisture can dump enough rain to overwhelm drainage systems within hours — especially in paved urban areas where water has nowhere to go. Check the radar to see where the heaviest rain is falling and which areas to avoid. The standing rule: turn around, don't drown. Never drive through flooded roads, even if they look shallow.

Severe Thunderstorm Risk

Severe thunderstorms roll through Kentucky regularly, especially spring through early fall. Expect damaging winds above 58 mph, large hail, and dangerous lightning. The radar shows you each storm cell's position, movement, and intensity — so you can tell if one is headed your way. When a thunderstorm warning drops for Kentucky, get indoors and away from windows until it passes.

Ice Storm Risk

Ice storms are rare in Kentucky but devastating when they hit. A quarter-inch of freezing rain coats everything — roads turn into skating rinks, power lines snap, trees come down. The radar shows whether you're getting rain, freezing rain, sleet, or snow — that distinction is critical. When Kentucky gets an ice storm warning, stay off the roads and prepare for power outages that could last several days.

Winter Storm Risk

Winter storms hit Kentucky when Gulf or Pacific moisture runs into cold Arctic air — the result is some combination of heavy snow, ice, and strong winds. The key thing to watch on radar is the rain-snow line: that boundary determines whether Kentucky gets rain, freezing rain, or heavy snow, and it can shift by miles in an hour. When a winter storm watch goes up, stock your emergency supplies and plan to stay home.

How to Use Kentucky Weather Radar

Follow these steps to get the most from the Kentucky weather radar data.

Check Current Statewide Conditions

View real-time weather data at the top of the Kentucky radar page. Temperature, humidity, and wind speed update continuously. Western Kentucky runs on Central Time and eastern Kentucky on Eastern Time — forecasts reflect your local time zone.

Watch the Radar Map for Storm Movement

The interactive radar map shows precipitation and storm movement across Kentucky. Hit play on the animation to see which direction systems are tracking. During spring, watch for supercell development over western Kentucky's flat terrain where WFO PAH issues tornado watches and warnings.

Review Regional Forecasts

Scroll to hourly and 7-day forecasts for your area — from Paducah and Bowling Green in the west to Louisville and Elizabethtown in the center to Lexington and Pikeville in the east. Look for tornado risk in spring, ice storm warnings in winter, and flash flood watches after heavy rain.

Monitor During Severe Weather Alerts

When NWS issues a tornado watch or warning for your county, check the Kentucky weather radar frequently — tornadoes can form and move within 20 minutes. Bookmark this page for direct access to Doppler radar during spring storm season and winter weather events across the state.

Who Benefits from Kentucky Weather Radar

How different people use the Kentucky radar data

Commuters & Drivers

Kentucky commuters on I-75, I-64, and I-65 face ice storms in winter and severe thunderstorms in spring. Check the radar before driving through Louisville, Lexington, or the Mountain Parkway in eastern Kentucky.

Outdoor Enthusiasts

Hikers at Red River Gorge and Mammoth Cave National Park visitors should check the hourly forecast before heading out. Spring storms develop fast across Kentucky's varied terrain and can bring dangerous lightning and flash flooding.

Event Planners & Families

Planning outdoor events at Churchill Downs in Louisville or Keeneland in Lexington? The 7-day forecast helps pick the safest day. Day-of radar shows exactly when thunderstorms will roll through your venue.

Outdoor Workers

Agriculture and horse farm workers across the Bluegrass Region near Lexington need advance warning of severe weather. Check radar before scheduling outdoor work — Kentucky's spring weather brings damaging hail and dangerous lightning with little warning.

Kentucky Weather FAQ

Common questions about Kentucky weather patterns and radar

When is tornado season in Kentucky?

Tornado season in Kentucky runs primarily from March through June, with peak activity in April and May. A secondary season occurs in November. The state averages 20 tornadoes per year, and western Kentucky sits in the path of frequent supercell thunderstorms tracking northeast from the Gulf states. Tornadoes can form at any time of year across Kentucky, including at night when the threat is hardest to detect.

What was the deadliest tornado in Kentucky history?

The December 10, 2021 Western Kentucky EF4 tornado is the deadliest in modern state history. It tracked 165.6 miles through Mayfield, Princeton, and Dawson Springs, killing 57 people and injuring 519 others. Peak winds reached 190 mph. WFO PAH issued warnings, but the storm crossed 11 counties in under three hours, giving residents limited time to shelter. The tornado struck in December, an unusual month for such a violent, long-track storm.

How much rainfall does Kentucky receive annually?

Kentucky averages 47.7 inches of annual precipitation statewide, with significant regional variation. The northeast receives around 38 inches while the southeast sees up to 58 inches per year. Rainfall is fairly distributed throughout the year. The wettest year on record was 2011 with 64 inches, while the driest was 1930 with just 29 inches. Flash flooding is common due to the state's many rivers and hollows that funnel runoff quickly.

Does Kentucky get ice storms in winter?

Yes, ice storms are a signature winter hazard in Kentucky. When temperatures hover near 32°F, rain freezes on contact with roads, power lines, and trees, causing widespread outages and dangerous travel. Central and northern Kentucky near Louisville and Lexington are particularly vulnerable to freezing rain events. The January 1994 Arctic outbreak brought the state record low of -37°F to Shelbyville, demonstrating Kentucky's exposure to severe continental cold air intrusions.

What are Kentucky's record temperature extremes?

Kentucky's record high temperature is 114°F, set at Greensburg on July 28, 1930. The record low is -37°F, recorded at Shelbyville on January 19, 1994. These extremes reflect Kentucky's transitional climate — hot, humid summers influenced by Gulf moisture and occasional Arctic outbreaks in winter that drop temperatures far below zero across the state's northern tier near the Ohio River.

How is this radar different from WKYT or WAVE3 weather radar?

WKYT in Lexington and WAVE3 in Louisville offer Kentucky radar alongside live broadcast forecasts and meteorologist analysis — excellent for in-depth severe weather coverage. This page provides a clean, ad-free interface with interactive RainViewer Doppler radar maps, Open-Meteo hourly forecasts, and a 7-day outlook covering all of Kentucky. Radar updates approximately every 10 minutes. If you want quick statewide radar access without video autoplay or ads, bookmark this page.