If you’ve lived around Pulaski County for more than a week, you know the drill. You wake up to a forecast promising a light dusting of snow, and by noon, you’re standing in a 50-degree rain shower wondering where your sanity went. That is just life in the Lake Cumberland area. Right now, looking at the Somerset KY 10 day weather forecast, we are staring down a classic Kentucky "bait and switch" that starts with a soggy mess and ends in a legitimate deep freeze.
Honestly, the next week and a half is going to be a test of your layering skills. We are moving out of a weirdly mild "January Thaw" and heading straight into the teeth of an Arctic surge. It isn't just about the temperature dropping; it’s about the moisture timing.
The Immediate Mess: Rain to Snow Transitions
Today, Wednesday, January 14, 2026, is basically the "gateway" day. We started with highs in the upper 40s—around 48°F—but don't let that fool you into leaving the house without a heavy coat. A cold front is currently ripping through the Commonwealth. By this evening, those rain showers are going to get chunky. We are looking at a transition to snow as the mercury craters to a low of 22°F tonight.
Thursday is when the reality check hits. The high won't even crack the freezing mark, likely topping out at 30°F. It’ll be windy, too. Northwest gusts up to 25 mph will make that 30 degrees feel like something you’d find in a meat locker. If you’re heading out to the Judicial Center or just grabbing a coffee downtown, expect some slick spots, especially on bridges like the ones crossing Pitman Creek.
✨ Don't miss: High Protein Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl: Why This Viral Trend Actually Works
A Quick Peek at the 10-Day Numbers
The back half of this week and the start of next are where things get interesting. Here is the rough trajectory of what we’re facing:
- Friday, Jan 16: A weird mix. High of 45°F but a low of 24°F. Expect some morning snow that turns into a cold, depressing rain as the sun tries (and fails) to warm us up.
- The Weekend (Jan 17-18): Saturday stays chilly at 38°F. Sunday is the real "stay inside" day, with a high of 31°F and a low of 19°F. It’s going to be gray. Constant cloud cover is basically a Somerset staple this time of year.
- Early Next Week: Monday and Tuesday are looking like the coldest stretch of the month so far. We’re talking highs barely reaching 29°F or 30°F and lows dipping into the low teens—12°F is the current target for Tuesday morning.
Why Lake Cumberland Changes the Math
Most weather apps struggle with Somerset because they don't always account for the "Lake Effect." No, we aren't Buffalo, New York, but Lake Cumberland is a massive heat sink. Even in January, the water stays relatively warmer than the air during a cold snap. This can sometimes create localized fog or even "lake-enhanced" snow bands that hit the south side of town while the north side stays dry.
✨ Don't miss: How to get rid of fruit fly infestation: What actually works when your kitchen is a war zone
National Weather Service discussions out of Jackson (JKL) are already hinting at these disturbances. When that Arctic air moves over the relatively warmer water of the lake, it creates a bit of lift. It’s the reason why one person on Highway 27 might see a flurry while someone in Burnside is seeing a mini-blizzard.
What Most People Get Wrong About This Forecast
There’s this common misconception that if the high is 45°F, the snow "won't stick." That’s a dangerous gamble in South Central Kentucky. Ground temperature is what matters. After a string of nights in the teens, the pavement stays cold even if the air warms up for a few hours.
📖 Related: El tiempo en Logansport: What You Actually Need to Know Before Heading to Cass County
Also, watch out for the "flash freeze" potential next Monday night. If we get any residual moisture on the roads before that 12°F low hits, Tuesday morning’s commute is going to be a skating rink. People think the "Somerset KY 10 day weather forecast" is a set-in-stone schedule. It isn't. It’s a trend. And the trend right now is saying: "Winter has finally arrived."
Actionable Winter Prep for Pulaski County Residents
- Drip the Faucets: When we hit that 12°F mark next Tuesday, older homes in the historic district or out toward Nancy are at risk. A slow drip saves a lot of plumbing headaches.
- Check the Animals: It’s been mild lately, so it’s easy to forget, but these sub-20 degree nights are dangerous for outdoor pets. Bring them in or beef up the bedding.
- The "Bridge" Rule: The Fishing Creek bridge and the bridge over the Cumberland River will freeze long before the rest of the road. If the temperature is near 32, treat every bridge like it’s covered in black ice.
- Gas Up: Keep the tank at least half full. If you get stuck on a blocked road because of an accident, you’ll want that heater running.
The current Somerset KY 10 day weather forecast shows a clear shift from a soggy, mild start to a bone-chilling mid-week. By next Friday, January 23, we might see a slight rebound back toward the 50°F mark, but it comes with more rain. Basically, keep the umbrella and the heavy parka in the car. You’re going to need both before this 10-day window is up.