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After another brutal day of 100-degree heat scheduled for today and tomorrow, big changes are looming. As reported here last week, I mentioned the below-normal temps expected from Labor Day onward thru the rest of next week. That looks to be the case for a certainty.

Here are a few reasonable explanations for the below-normal readings coming up...I call it the ABC's of next week's forecast.

First, look out for Hurricane Katia. It looks to make a trek uncomfortably close to the U.S. East coast later in the week. As the storm system approaches, counterclockwise flow around the tropical low will keep our temps in a east to northeast flow, which does not translate to above-normal readings.

It is still too early to tell whether Katia will spread any precipitation onshore or over the Appalachians toward eastern KY, however the possibility does exist. But, an increasing threat will be whether Katia affects the northeast with any more rain.

This leads us to the next letter of our alphabet, Lee, yes, tropical storm Lee. It is expected to be a slow mover as it traverses the southern landscape. Some expected precip amounts are in a drought-busting range of 10-16" for areas like Louisiana and Mississippi.

Lee's affects could be the Major(s) (get it Lee Majors....uh...right) in terms of rain producers and may be felt within the region as well. Depending on how much dry air is sucked into the system from the behemoth high pressure ridge standing put over Texas, heavy rains could impact the region by the end of the weekend. The forecast models are showing copious amounts along and east of I-65, perhaps up to 6" in places. Again, this will be watched closely, as atmospheric dynamics could alter Lee's moisture supply. This will also keep our temperatures down with all the cloud cover and possible rain and an associated cold front poised to push through as well.

Unfortunately, Lee's effects may be felt along the northeast coast later in the week. This is not a good scenario as either Katia and/or Lee could affect those residents with more rain.

Last, the Models are showing a consensus for below-normal readings. Most forecast models show temps generally in the mid-70's to the low 80's. However, some days may struggle to reach the mid-70's if we get the generous rains here in Louisville. Most likely, areas in eastern KY will receive the brunt of the rain and cloud cover along with temps not able to get above 70.

And that's your ABC's for next week. Stay tuned...

And, by the way, speaking of ABC, remember Lee Majors' role as Steve Austin in the Six Million Dollar Man away back in the 1970's? Couldn't help but think of him as tropical storm Lee approaches the Gulf coast.  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HofoK_QQxGc&feature=BFp&list=FLK4tSnlcI7PCF6f1uNEFiEA

MS