You’re probably looking at the sky right now in Pulaski County and wondering if you should bother washing the car or if you're about to be buried in a surprise January flurry. Honestly, Somerset weather is like that one friend who can never decide where they want to eat—it's unpredictable, occasionally frustrating, but always keeps you on your toes. If you’ve lived here long enough, you know that the somerset ky weather forecast 10 day outlook isn't just a set of numbers; it's a survival guide for navigating the transition from a mild afternoon at Lake Cumberland to a bone-chilling night that has you checking your pipes.
Right now, we are smack in the middle of a classic Kentucky winter pattern. As of today, January 17, 2026, the local atmosphere is feeling a bit moody. We’ve got gray skies, a biting wind, and that specific damp cold that seems to sink right into your marrow. But what does the rest of the week look like?
The Deep Freeze and the "Clipper" Problem
If you’re checking the somerset ky weather forecast 10 day today, the first thing you’ll notice is the immediate dip. We are looking at highs today struggling to hit 40°F, and honestly, with that southwest wind kicking at 10 mph, it’s going to feel much colder. There’s a chance of flurries later this afternoon, but don't go buying all the milk and bread just yet. It's mostly just "mood snow"—the kind that looks pretty but doesn't really do anything besides make the roads look a little slick.
Tonight is where the real bite happens. We're dropping down to about 19°F. If you have outdoor pets or plants that somehow survived the last frost, tonight is the night to bring them in.
Sunday, January 18, isn't much better. We're looking at a high of 30°F. It’ll be "partly sunny," which in Kentucky speak means the sun will tease you for ten minutes before hiding behind a thick sheet of gray again.
Why the Next 48 Hours Matter
The beginning of this 10-day stretch is dominated by what meteorologists often call a "clipper" system moving across the Great Lakes. While it isn't a full-blown blizzard, it's dragging down that frigid air from Canada.
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Monday, Jan 19: High 32°F, Low 11°F. Yeah, 11 degrees. That’s "stay inside and drink bourbon" weather.
Tuesday, Jan 20: Sunny but still cold, topping out around 29°F.
The big misconception people have about Somerset in January is that it's always snowy. In reality, we often get these "dry freezes" where it's absolutely freezing but the sky is clear. It’s deceiving. You see the sun through the window, think it’s a nice day, walk outside in a light jacket, and immediately regret every life choice that led you to that moment.
The Mid-Week Pivot: A Quick Thaw?
Wait, don't pack away the lighter gear just yet. By Wednesday, January 21, the pattern shifts. We’re expecting a climb up to 46°F. It’s not tropical, but after an 11-degree night, 46 feels like a heatwave.
However, this warmth comes with a catch. Rain.
Thursday, Jan 22, has about a 40% chance of rain with a high of 41°F. This is the "messy" part of the forecast. When the ground is frozen from the previous few days and then it rains, you get that lovely Somerset slush. It’s terrible for driving and even worse for your shoes.
Friday, Jan 23, stays relatively mild at 43°F. This is actually a great day to hit up some indoor local spots. If you're looking for something to do, The Makers Mill downtown usually has live music on Saturdays, but Friday is a good day to run errands before the weekend weather potentially turns sour again.
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Looking Toward Next Weekend: The Wintry Mix Returns
The tail end of the somerset ky weather forecast 10 day is where things get interesting—and a little bit sketchy.
Saturday, January 24, looks okay at first glance with a high of 47°F. But there’s a 40% chance of rain. The real concern is Sunday, Jan 25. The current models are showing a 50% chance of a "frozen mix."
Now, if you’re from around here, you know that "frozen mix" is the scariest phrase in the English language. It usually means a combination of rain, sleet, and maybe a little snow. It’s the kind of weather that coats Highway 27 in a fine layer of invisible ice.
Monday, Jan 26, is trending colder again, with a high of 30°F and a 30% chance of snow. It looks like we’re ending this 10-day cycle exactly how we started it: cold, gray, and unpredictable.
What Most People Get Wrong About Somerset Weather
A lot of folks look at the "Average Low" for Somerset in January—which is usually around 28°F to 29°F—and think that’s the floor. It isn't. Not even close.
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Did you know the record low for Somerset is a staggering -32°F? That happened way back in the day, but it shows the potential for extreme arctic air to get trapped in the valleys here. On the flip side, we’ve had January days in the 70s.
We also have to talk about the "Lake Effect." While we aren't exactly Buffalo, New York, Lake Cumberland does some funky things to our local microclimate. Sometimes the moisture off the lake can turn a "mostly cloudy" day into a "random localized snow shower" day for people living closer to the water.
Planning Your Week in Somerset
If you're trying to figure out your schedule based on this somerset ky weather forecast 10 day, here is the "honest" breakdown of how to handle it:
- For the Commuters: Watch Monday morning (Jan 19) and Sunday morning (Jan 25). Those are your highest risk times for black ice or slick spots.
- For the Farmers/Pet Owners: The night of the 19th is going to be brutal. Make sure your outdoor setups are ready for 11-degree temps.
- For the Social Butterflies: Wednesday (Jan 21) is your best bet for getting out without needing four layers of wool. There’s a pool tournament at a local spot on Tuesday night (Jan 20), but it’ll be cold walking from the car, so dress accordingly.
Actionable Tips for This Forecast
- Drip your faucets on Monday night. With a projected low of 11°F, those older homes in the downtown area are at risk for frozen pipes.
- Check your tire pressure. These wild 30-degree swings in temperature will make your "low pressure" light pop on faster than you can say "Pulaski County."
- Don't trust the sun. On Sunday and Monday, the sun is a lie. It provides zero warmth. Keep the heavy coat in the car even if the sky looks blue.
- Prepare for the Sunday Mix. If the Jan 25 forecast holds, try to get your grocery shopping done by Friday afternoon.
Kentucky weather is a game of chess, and right now, Mother Nature is playing with a lot of pieces. Stay safe, keep the heater on, and maybe check the radar one more time before you head out toward the lake.