Louisville’s weather is keeping everyone on their toes this week, with a wild mix of flooding, freezing temperatures, and more unpredictable conditions ahead. It’s a reminder that spring in Kentucky doesn’t mess around, throwing everything from warm sunshine to icy chills your way.
Flooding Along the Ohio River: A Growing Threat
Right now, the Ohio River is swelling to dangerous levels, and Louisville is feeling the impact. Flooding is a real concern, particularly along two critical points on the river.
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McAlpine Upper: As of 11:00 AM today, the river stage is at 35.8 feet and expected to crest at 37.0 feet by tomorrow afternoon. This is well above the flood stage of 23.0 feet, and it’s starting to cause significant issues. Flooding is already affecting key areas like Utica Pike in Jeffersonville and East Riverside Road near Fisherman’s Wharf. If you’re in a low-lying area near the river, now’s the time to stay extra cautious and avoid roads that look flooded.
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McAlpine Lower: The river level here is at 67.3 feet, and it’s forecasted to crest at 68.4 feet by tomorrow evening. Flooding is expected to impact major roads, including US 31W (Dixie Highway). Some floodgates in the Riverport area are already being closed to prepare for more rising water. If you’re in Clarksville or New Albany, expect disruptions, especially around local parks and public spaces. It’s going to get a bit messy, so make sure you have an eye on the water levels and stay safe.
Freeze Warning: A Sudden Chill After the Warmth
While flooding is a big concern, you’ll also need to bundle up tonight. A Freeze Warning is in effect until 9:00 AM EDT tomorrow morning, and temperatures could dip as low as 26°F. That’s cold enough to kill plants and freeze outdoor pipes, so if you’ve already planted flowers or vegetables, you’ll want to cover them up tonight. And if you’ve got an outdoor faucet or irrigation system, take precautions to keep it from freezing.
This is one of those classic Kentucky moments where you get a sudden blast of cold in the middle of spring warmth, so be ready for it. The chilly morning temps will be a stark contrast to the higher temperatures we saw earlier today, making it important to adjust to this unexpected cold snap.
What’s Coming in the Next Few Days?
The forecast is keeping us on the edge of our seats, with everything from thunderstorms to cooler days ahead:
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Wednesday, April 9: The high will reach 58°F (15°C), with cloudy skies and a chance of showers by late afternoon. Expect a cool evening with temperatures dipping to 47°F (8°C), so you might want to grab a jacket before heading out.
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Thursday, April 10: Hold on tight—Thursday looks like a wild day with thunderstorms expected. These storms could bring heavy rain, strong winds, and even hail, so be cautious if you have outdoor plans. The high will be around 67°F (20°C), but don’t let the warmth fool you—these storms could get intense. By nightfall, temperatures will fall to 44°F (7°C), so the evening will feel much cooler.
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Friday, April 11: After the storms, Friday brings a bit of calm, but it’s still cooler than we’ve been used to. Expect a high of 52°F (11°C) with partly sunny skies. It’s a perfect day for a walk outside, but don’t leave the house without a sweater because 38°F (3°C) is in the forecast for the evening.
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Saturday, April 12: Things start warming up again on Saturday, with a high of 60°F (15°C) and increasing clouds in the afternoon. If you’re hoping for sunshine, it’ll be a little elusive, but it’ll still be mild and pleasant. The low will be 40°F (4°C), so it’s still a little chilly at night but nothing extreme.
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Sunday, April 13: The weekend will end on a high note with mostly sunny skies and a warm 67°F (20°C). It’s the perfect day for getting outside—whether it’s a walk, a picnic, or just enjoying some fresh air. The low will be around 49°F (9°C), so no need for heavy jackets in the evening.
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Monday, April 14: Another breezy day on Monday with a high of 72°F (22°C), but there’s a catch: showers are expected in the afternoon, so make sure you have an umbrella handy. Temperatures will drop to 50°F (10°C) at night, so the evening won’t be too cold.
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Tuesday, April 15: Finally, we’ll cool off a little on Tuesday with highs around 62°F (17°C) and partly sunny skies. It’ll be a quieter day weather-wise, so if you’re looking for a break from the unpredictable spring storms, this will be your chance to enjoy some more settled weather. The low will be 42°F (5°C), so a jacket will still be necessary for the evening.
Stay Safe, Stay Prepared
Louisville’s weather this week is a reminder that spring can be a rollercoaster ride. Flooding, freezing temps, thunderstorms, and everything in between—if you’re in the area, make sure you’re ready for it all. Keep an eye on local forecasts, take precautions for the freezing weather, and stay safe as the Ohio River continues to rise.
