Forecasters warn that a powerful storm system is predicted to pass through the area late this weekend, bringing with it Arctic air and the possibility of accumulating snowfall, so Louisville is preparing for a significant blast of winter weather.
There is a high degree of confidence that a winter storm will affect Kentucky between January 24 and January 25, according to the National Weather Service in Louisville.
Over the course of the weekend, high temperatures are expected to range from 18 to 23 degrees, with overnight lows of about 9 or 10 degrees. Early on Saturday, wind chills could drop as low as minus three degrees, making it dangerous for anyone to be outside.
Forecasters predict that the storm may have moderate effects on daily life, such as dangerous road conditions, possible closures, and infrastructure disruptions, even though the exact amounts of snowfall are still unknown. As confidence grows in the coming days, winter storm watches or warnings may be issued.
Don’t Overlook Wednesday’s Wintry Mix
A brief round of light wintry precipitation could hit the area early on Wednesday morning before the weekend system arrives.
A mixture of light snow, sleet, and freezing rain may form before sunrise—possibly as early as 5 a.m.—and persist throughout the morning commute, according to forecasters. Pavement temperatures below freezing could cause even light rain or drizzle to freeze on contact, even though moisture levels are predicted to be very low.
South of Louisville, especially from Shepherdsville to Hodgenville, seems to have the highest risk of intermittent freezing rain. On untreated roads and bridges, even very light icing could result in slick areas.
One JCPS bus has already been in an accident Wednesday morning, with two student commuters on board. No one was harmed in the accident on I-264, according to JCPS officials.
By Wednesday afternoon, temperatures are predicted to improve to the low 40s.
What to Expect This Weekend
The focus immediately shifts to the weekend following dry conditions on Thursday and Friday. As a massive storm system moves through the Ohio Valley, Arctic air will already be present, with highs trapped in the 20s.
Although the final result will depend on how far north moisture spreads, forecast models are showing better agreement on the likelihood of snow. While a northward shift might result in a larger accumulation in the Louisville area, a southern track would restrict local snowfall totals.
How to Prepare Now
The National Weather Service recommends residents begin preparing immediately by:
- Stocking emergency supplies for homes and vehicles
- Checking smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
- Ensuring cars and heating systems are fueled
- Having multiple ways to receive weather alerts
- Bringing pets indoors and checking on neighbors
Residents should keep generators at least 20 feet away from buildings, properly ventilate emergency heat sources, and exercise caution when shoveling snow to prevent injuries during the storm.
7-Day Louisville Weather Snapshot
- Jan. 21: Chance of rain/snow mix, high near 42
- Jan. 22: Mostly sunny, high near 39
- Jan. 23: Mostly cloudy, snow chance late, low near 9
- Jan. 24: 50% chance of snow, high near 19
- Jan. 25: Slight snow chance, high near 23
This article appears in Jan 1-31, 2026.