Honestly, if you've spent more than five minutes in Northern Kentucky, you know the drill. One day you’re looking for your heavy parka, and by Tuesday afternoon, you’re wondering if a light hoodie is overkill. That's just the rhythm of life here.
Right now in Florence, the vibe is definitely "stay inside." As of Sunday evening, January 18, 2026, it is currently 21°F outside. But don't let that number fool you. With the wind coming out of the southwest at 7 mph, it actually feels like 12°F. It’s cloudy, it’s cold, and there’s a small 10% chance of snow just to keep things interesting.
Navigating the Florence KY Weather Forecast This Week
The next few days are going to be a bit of a rollercoaster. If you're planning your commute or just trying to figure out when to run to the grocery store, here is the breakdown of what's actually happening.
Monday, January 19, looks beautiful but deceptively freezing. We’re talking a high of only 20°F under sunny skies. The real kicker? Monday night. The temperature is expected to crater to 7°F. If you have outdoor pipes that aren't insulated, tonight is the night they'll give you trouble.
Tuesday stays in that same frigid pocket with a high of 28°F. But then, the "Kentucky Swing" hits. By Wednesday, January 21, we are looking at a high of 42°F. That is a 22-degree jump from Monday’s high. It’s going to feel like a heatwave, relatively speaking, though the 17 mph winds will probably take some of the bite out of that "warmth."
Why the Forecast Changes So Fast
People always joke about the "Mall Road weather bubble," but there's some truth to the local microclimates. Being so close to the Ohio River Valley means we get these weird moisture pockets.
Look at the end of the week. Friday, January 23, starts off cloudy with a high of 26°F, but Saturday brings a shift toward snow showers and a high of only 17°F.
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Most people see "sunny" in the forecast and think they're safe. In Florence, sunny in January usually just means "bring your sunglasses because the sun reflecting off the frost will blind you while you freeze."
Beyond the Thermometer: Real Prep for Northern Kentucky Winters
It isn't just about the temperature; it's about the humidity and the wind. We are sitting at 48% humidity right now. That "damp cold" is what gets into your bones. It’s why 21 degrees in Florence feels way worse than 21 degrees in a dry place like Denver.
Here is what you actually need to do based on this specific week's outlook:
- Check your tire pressure now. These 40-degree-to-7-degree swings cause your PSI to drop faster than a rock.
- Wednesday is your window. If you have outdoor chores or need to wash the salt off your car, Wednesday’s 42°F high is the only time it'll be remotely tolerable.
- Watch the Saturday snow. The chance of precipitation jumps to 25% on Saturday night. It’s not a blizzard, but on these cold roads, a "dusting" is often just a code word for "ice rink."
The florence ky weather forecast shows a pretty classic January stretch. We have the deep freeze early in the week, a brief thaw on Wednesday, and then a return to the teens by the weekend.
Basically, keep the salt bag by the door. You're going to need it by Tuesday morning when that 7-degree low turns any leftover moisture into a sheet of glass.
Make sure your car's emergency kit actually has a real blanket and not just one of those foil things. With lows hitting the single digits this week, a breakdown on I-75 becomes a serious situation very quickly. Check your antifreeze levels before the Monday night freeze hits.