by Louisville, Kentucky — A surge of Arctic air is tightening its grip on parts of Kentucky and southern Indiana, prompting the National Weather Service (NWS) in Louisville to issue a Cold Weather Advisory for much of the region as dangerously low wind chills settle in early Sunday.
The advisory remains in effect from 1 a.m. EST (midnight CST) through 1 p.m. EST (noon CST), covering a broad swath of south-central Indiana and central to south-central Kentucky. Forecasters warn that the combination of bitter cold and light winds will push wind chills as low as 10 degrees below zero, creating conditions where frostbite and hypothermia are a serious concern.
Wind chills plunge well below zero in major cities
According to NWS forecasters, the coldest conditions are expected just before sunrise Sunday, when overnight temperatures bottom out and wind chills reach their lowest levels.
Communities expected to see wind chills near -10° include Louisville, Lexington, Frankfort, Elizabethtown, Bardstown, Shelbyville, Georgetown, Danville, Richmond, and Bowling Green. The advisory also extends north into southern Indiana, impacting cities such as Paoli, Salem, Scottsburg, Corydon, New Albany, and Jeffersonville.
Meteorologists stress that even short periods of exposure without proper clothing can be dangerous under these conditions.
Secondary advisory affects south-central Kentucky counties
A secondary Cold Weather Advisory covers parts of south-central Kentucky, where wind chills are expected to fall around zero degrees.
Counties included in this advisory are Adair, Allen, Barren, Clinton, Cumberland, Metcalfe, Monroe, and Russell, affecting communities such as Glasgow, Scottsville, Burkesville, Columbia, and Albany.
While wind chills in these areas may not reach the extreme lows seen farther north, NWS officials say the cold is still hazardous, particularly for vulnerable populations.
Frostbite risk increases during early morning hours
NWS meteorologists warn that frostbite can occur in as little as 30 minutes when wind chills drop below zero, especially on exposed skin such as fingers, ears, and faces.
According to forecasters, the highest risk window will be between 4 a.m. and 9 a.m. Sunday, when wind chills are at their lowest and many residents may be heading to early-morning jobs, church services, or travel commitments.
Hypothermia is also a concern, particularly for those without reliable heating or those who must spend extended time outdoors.
Officials urge cold-weather precautions
Local emergency managers and weather officials are urging residents across both states to take the advisory seriously and prepare accordingly.
Residents are advised to dress in multiple warm layers, including insulated outerwear, gloves, hats, and face coverings to protect exposed skin. Limiting time outdoors during the coldest hours is strongly recommended.
Officials also encourage residents to check on older neighbors, children, and individuals with medical conditions, as well as those living in homes without dependable heating.
Read Also: NWS Warns of 3–10 Inches of Snow Across Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania This Weekend
Heater safety emphasized amid bitter cold
With heating systems working overtime, officials are stressing fire and carbon monoxide safety.
Portable space heaters should be kept well away from flammable materials such as curtains, furniture, and bedding, and should never be left unattended. Authorities also warn that generators, grills, and propane heaters must never be used indoors, as they can quickly lead to deadly carbon monoxide buildup.
Residents are encouraged to ensure carbon monoxide detectors are functioning properly, especially during prolonged cold spells.
Travel impacts tied more to exposure than road conditions
Unlike winter storms that bring snow and ice, this advisory focuses primarily on cold exposure, though officials note that frigid temperatures can still impact travel.
Drivers warming vehicles outdoors, waiting at transit stops, or dealing with breakdowns face increased risk due to the cold. Car batteries are also more likely to fail in extreme temperatures.
Emergency kits, including blankets, gloves, and phone chargers, are recommended for anyone traveling early Sunday.
Cold to ease later Sunday
Forecasters say conditions should gradually improve late Sunday morning into the afternoon, as temperatures climb and wind chills rise above advisory levels.
However, officials caution that Arctic air will continue to influence the Ohio Valley, and additional cold weather alerts could be issued if conditions persist or worsen in the coming days.
The National Weather Service says it will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updated guidance as the cold air mass moves east.
As one of the coldest mornings of the season settles over Kentucky and Indiana, officials emphasize that awareness and preparation can help prevent cold-related injuries.
How cold did it feel where you are this morning? Share your local conditions and how you stayed warm in the comments below.
