Winter Tease? Louisville Under Alert for Snow Chances Monday Night
Get ready to dust off those winter coats and keep an eye on the sky, Louisville. The National Weather Service (NWS) is tracking a fast-moving system that brings a legitimate chance of seeing our first accumulating snowfall of the season as early as Monday night, making for a very chilly start to the new week.
The latest NWS forecast for the Louisville metro area indicates that rain and snow showers are likely to develop late Monday evening, specifically before 1:00 AM, before transitioning primarily to snow showers overnight. Forecasters are calling for a low temperature of around 29 degrees Fahrenheit, which is certainly cold enough for snow to fall. This potential wintry mix has prompted the NWS to issue a special weather story for the region, noting that winter weather will be possible and urging residents to continue monitoring the forecast as the expected impacts and accumulation amounts may change. Accumulating snow is most likely across central Kentucky and southern Indiana.
Not Your Average November
While a dusting of snow in late November isn’t unheard of for the Ohio Valley, a system that could bring accumulation is a little ahead of schedule for the city. Historically, the average date for Louisville to see its first *trace* of snow is around November 15. However, the average date for the first *measurable* snowfall, meaning a tenth of an inch or more, typically doesn’t arrive until December 6.
So, this early push of winter weather is a clear sign that the coldest months are upon us. The entire region has been experiencing a pattern of below-normal temperatures, with cold, blustery conditions and wind chills that have been dipping into the upper teens and low 20s. Monday’s daytime high is only expected to reach about 39 degrees.
What to Expect on the Roads
The primary concern with this kind of quick-moving, late-night system is how it will impact Tuesday morning’s commute. While current models suggest the system will move out quickly, any accumulation, even light, can create slick spots and hazardous travel conditions on bridges and overpasses.
Louisville residents should prepare for the possibility of a slow drive Tuesday morning. The forecast currently calls for a 30 percent chance of snow showers to linger until about 1:00 PM on Tuesday. If you have an early start to the week, it’s a good idea to check local traffic and school delay reports before you leave the house.
The cold snap, unfortunately, isn’t going anywhere soon. The NWS indicates that cold, below-normal temperatures are expected to continue across the region for the next week to 10 days. For now, keep your eyes on the latest updates, have your scraper ready, and brace yourself for a proper introduction to the winter season.