Winter in Central Kentucky is rarely predictable. One day you’re walking through the Arboretum in a light jacket, and the next, you’re scraping a quarter-inch of ice off your windshield before the morning commute. If you’ve been looking at the weather 10 day forecast Lexington KY, you’ve probably noticed the sudden shift. We are moving from a "mostly cloudy" slump into a legitimate arctic punch that’s going to make those morning dog walks a bit more intense.
As of early Saturday morning, January 17, 2026, the temperature in Lexington is sitting at a crisp 33°F. It feels like 25°F, though, thanks to an 11 mph southwest wind. Honestly, it’s that classic January dampness—93% humidity—that makes the air feel heavier than the numbers suggest. If you’re heading out today, expect a high of 33°F with some snow showers possible (about a 15% chance). But the real story isn't today; it's the steep drop coming tomorrow.
The Big Chill: Breaking Down the Weather 10 Day Forecast Lexington KY
Sunday is where things get interesting. We’re looking at a high of only 25°F. While the sun will finally make an appearance, don't let those clear skies fool you. The low is plummeting to 14°F. This is part of a broader trend meteorologists like Chris Bailey have been tracking—a surge of arctic air moving across the Commonwealth.
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By Monday, January 19, it gets even tighter. We’re talking about a high of 22°F and a low of 7°F. Yes, single digits. If you have sensitive plants in a sunroom or pipes that tend to freeze in older downtown homes near Gratz Park, this is your warning. Tuesday stays just as brutal with another 7°F low.
Mid-Week Moisture and "The Mix"
Kentucky weather loves a good plot twist. By Wednesday, January 21, the temperature jumps back up to 40°F. Sounds great, right? Not exactly. That warm-up brings a 35% chance of "rain and snow." It’s that messy, slushy mix that makes New Circle Road a headache. With 20 mph southwest winds, it’s going to be a raw, wet day.
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- Saturday (Jan 17): High 33°F, Low 16°F. Mostly cloudy with a lingering snow chance.
- Sunday (Jan 18): High 25°F, Low 14°F. Sunny but biting cold.
- Monday (Jan 19): High 22°F, Low 7°F. The coldest day of the week.
- Tuesday (Jan 20): High 24°F, Low 7°F. Sunny and frigid.
- Wednesday (Jan 21): High 40°F, Low 25°F. Rain/snow mix returns.
Navigating the Lexington "Ice and Nice" Cycle
Why does Lexington get these wild swings? We sit right in a transition zone. Moist air from the Gulf often collides with cold fronts dropping down from Canada. The weather 10 day forecast Lexington KY reflects this battleground. By next weekend, specifically Saturday, January 24, we see the pattern repeat. A high of 34°F will be met with a 65% chance of snow overnight.
If you’re planning a trip to Keeneland just to walk the grounds or heading to a UK game at Rupp Arena, layer up. The humidity here—averaging 73% this month—means the cold "soaks" into your clothes more than it would in a dry climate like Denver.
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Surviving the Single Digits
When the forecast hits 7°F, standard winter prep isn't enough.
- Open your cabinet doors under sinks to let warm air reach the plumbing.
- Check on neighbors, especially those in older homes.
- Keep a bag of ice melt near the door before Wednesday’s mix freezes over on Thursday morning.
The back half of the 10-day window shows a slight stabilization, with highs hovering around 29°F to 32°F by January 25 and 26. We’ll see light rain and snow showers continue to pop up. Basically, it’s standard Bluegrass winter: gray, unpredictable, and occasionally beautiful when the snow sticks to the horse fences.
Keep an eye on the wind speeds too. We’re expecting gusts up to 18-20 mph on Monday and Wednesday. That turns a 22-degree day into something that feels much closer to zero. Stay warm, keep the de-icer handy, and remember that February is just around the corner—though, in Kentucky, that usually just means more of the same.
Actionable Next Steps:
Check your tire pressure today. Cold snaps cause air to contract, often triggering that annoying "low pressure" light right when you're in a hurry. Also, verify that your emergency car kit has an extra blanket and a portable power bank, as Monday's 7°F low is the prime time for older car batteries to give up the ghost.