Honestly, if you’ve lived in Morehead for more than a week, you know the drill. You wake up, look out at the Daniel Boone National Forest, and realize the sky looks nothing like what the app promised twenty minutes ago. It’s that Appalachian foothill magic—or misery, depending on if you’re trying to dry laundry. The weather forecast Morehead KY provides is a moving target because of where we sit. We aren't quite in the flatlands, and we aren't deep in the high peaks, so we get this weird mix of trapped moisture and sudden wind tunnels.
Right now, as of Sunday, January 18, 2026, it is 23°F outside. It feels like 14°F because the wind is cutting in from the west at 9 mph. If you’re heading out to the Eagle Lake trail or just grabbing a coffee downtown, you’re looking at mostly cloudy skies tonight. There’s a tiny 10% chance of some snow flurries, but nothing that's going to require a shovel just yet.
The Current Mood of the Morehead Sky
People think "partly sunny" means a nice day. In Morehead, "partly sunny" usually means the sun is fighting a losing battle against the humidity rolling off the Licking River. Today’s high is stuck at 26°F, which is actually pretty chilly even for January. Usually, we’re seeing averages closer to 42°F this time of year, so we’re currently in a bit of a deep freeze.
The humidity is hovering at 52%. That’s low for us. Usually, Rowan County feels like a wet sponge, but this dry cold is the kind that makes your knuckles crack. Tonight, the mercury drops to 19°F. It’s basically "stay inside and watch Netflix" weather.
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Looking at the Week Ahead
If you’re planning your week, Monday is going to be bright but deceptive. We’re talking full sun, but a high of only 22°F. The real kicker? The wind. It’s supposed to kick up to 16 mph from the west. That’s going to make that 22 degrees feel like single digits.
Tuesday stays sunny with a high of 24°F, but Wednesday is where things get interesting. We’re looking at a high of 40°F with a 40% chance of snow. Now, usually, 40 degrees means rain, but in the hills, that transition period can turn into a slushy mess real fast.
Why Morehead Weather is Such a Wildcard
The topography here is the real boss. Morehead sits at an elevation of about 748 feet, but we’ve got Limestone Knob just a few miles away hitting over 1,400 feet. That 700-foot difference creates a "bowl" effect. Cold air sinks into the valleys and gets trapped. This is why you’ll see frost in your yard in Morehead while your friend over in Lexington is already seeing the grass thaw.
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We also deal with "clipper storms." These fast-moving systems drop down from Canada, hit the Great Lakes, and then barrel straight toward Eastern Kentucky. They bring those sudden temperature swings that make everyone in town end up with a sinus infection. One day it's 45 degrees and raining; the next, the wind shifts, and we’re freezing.
The Realistic 7-Day Outlook (January 18–24)
- Sunday (Today): High 26°F, Low 19°F. Partly sunny and crisp.
- Monday: High 22°F, Low 9°F. Sunny but windy. Stay bundled.
- Tuesday: High 24°F, Low 8°F. Clear skies, very cold night.
- Wednesday: High 40°F, Low 26°F. 40% chance of snow. This is the "messy" day.
- Thursday: High 38°F, Low 23°F. Sun returns, but it’s still shivering weather.
- Friday: High 42°F, Low 25°F. Cloudy with a mix of rain and snow late at night (45% chance).
- Saturday: High 34°F, Low 13°F. More snow likely during the day.
Dealing with the Rowan County Dampness
Humidity is the silent killer of comfort in Morehead. Even in winter, our average relative humidity stays high—often around 61% to 92%. When it's 30 degrees and 90% humidity, that cold doesn't just sit on your skin; it moves into your bones.
Pro tip: don't just look at the temperature. Check the "Feels Like" or the dew point. If the dew point is close to the actual temperature, expect fog or that bone-chilling dampness that makes a heavy wool coat feel like a wet paper bag.
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What to Actually Wear This Week
Forget the light windbreakers. You need layers.
- Base Layer: Something moisture-wicking because if you sweat while walking into the MSU student center, you’ll freeze the second you walk back out.
- Insulation: A solid fleece or a "puffy" down jacket.
- Shell: Something to break the 16 mph winds forecast for Monday.
Survival Tips for Morehead Winters
Don't trust the clear sky on Tuesday night. With a low of 8°F, that's prime time for pipes to freeze if your insulation is sketchy. If you’re living in one of the older houses near the university, maybe leave a drip going in the kitchen sink.
Also, watch out for the "black ice" on the backroads near Cave Run Lake. The shadows from the trees keep the sun from hitting the pavement, so while the main road looks dry, those curves can be treacherous.
The weather forecast Morehead KY shows a trend toward much colder air than our historical averages for late January. We’re seeing lows in the single digits (8°F and 9°F) which is significantly colder than the typical 28°F average low.
Actionable Steps for the Next 48 Hours:
- Check your antifreeze: With temperatures hitting 8°F Tuesday night, make sure your vehicle is ready for a hard freeze.
- Windproof your entryways: Monday’s 16 mph winds will find every crack in your door frame. A simple towel at the base of the door makes a huge difference.
- Plan for Wednesday’s slush: The 40% snow chance at 40 degrees means the roads will be wet and potentially slick as the sun goes down. Give yourself an extra 10 minutes for the commute.