Rising temps are on the way

“We’ve had a significant amount of melting, but overnight temps are gonna bottom out in the upper teens and low 20s,” said Trent Okerson, WPSD Local 6 Chief Meteorologist. “Certainly on untreated surfaces, we’ll have to watch out for refreezing and black ice.”

Intersections, off-ramps bridges and shaded areas are all more likely to develop black ice, according to Kentucky Transportation Cabinet District 2.

Okerson called this week “the beginning of a significant pattern shift.”

“Starting Wednesday, onward into the weekend, temps will be running well above average,” he said. “Looking at the longer-range forecast, the general pattern heading into the first week of January looks to continue to be warmer than average and probably a little wetter than average, too. There’s a pretty good chance we’ll end up near 60 (degrees) on New Year’s Eve.”

The weather does bring increased rain chances on Thursday afternoon, along with a high in the 50s, followed by rainfall Friday.

Drivers are urged to slow down when approaching intersections, off-ramps, bridges or shaded areas. These are all candidates for developing “black ice” — a thin coating of clear ice that can form on the pavement surface that may be difficult to see.