Snow is falling in Louisville right now, and I am watching it stick. The air has bite, with temperatures locked near 29°F. A band of freezing rain will push in around 8:00 AM. We will nudge into the low 30s for a short window this afternoon, then tumble back into the upper 20s tonight. This is a day to move smart and make your winter plans count.
What’s Happening Now
Flakes are steady across the city. Side streets are turning crunchy. Main roads look wet, but they can glaze fast when the freezing rain arrives. Expect brief slush, then pockets of ice. After lunch, the thermometer may flirt with 33 or 34°F. That is not a full thaw. Sunset will flip the switch back to colder, and refreeze will follow.
I am seeing slick metal surfaces already, steps and rails especially. Bridges and overpasses cool quicker than the ground. That is where the first ice tends to hide. If you have to drive, keep it slow and leave extra room. If you can walk, choose traction and sidewalks with grit.
Freezing rain this morning will make untreated sidewalks and bridges slick. Short trips can take much longer. Plan for delays.
Live Well In The Cold Today
Louisville shines in winter if you plan it right. Cherokee Park gets quiet and lovely, perfect for a careful stroll or a snowy photo set. The Parklands offers wide paths for cross-country strides. Waterfront Park gives you open views of the river, with drifting flurries that make great shots.
If you are a maker, lean into it. Set a pot of stew to simmer and queue up a woodworking or pottery project. Board games at a neighborhood cafe feel better when the windows fog. Birders, fill the feeders and log visitors from a warm window seat. Cardinals pop against fresh snow. Runners, choose a loop with salted sections and wear a bright layer.
For any outdoor time, think layers. Wool base, insulated mid, weatherproof shell. Add microspikes if you own them. Warm hands keep you outside longer. ❄️
Arctic Blast On The Way
I am tracking a stronger, colder air mass aimed at us next weekend. This looks like the deepest cold of the season so far. Morning lows could land in the teens and 20s. The wind will add bite. Travel could face slowdowns, and heating demand will jump.
This is the moment to test what you rely on. Check your heat now, not when the cold arrives. Wrap any exposed pipes. Know where your gloves, hats, and heavy socks live. Make a plan for pets and neighbors who may need a check-in. If you have a winter bucket list, line it up. Sledding hills, studio time, a long read, and a new recipe can all fit. Just pair each plan with a safety step.
Before the weekend cold hits, run your heating system, swap a dirty filter, and drip faucets overnight during the coldest hours to protect pipes.
Prep Checklist For Hobby Moments And Comfort
- Charge camera batteries and pack a dry cloth for lenses.
- Stock ice melt and a soft brush for gear and car cleanup.
- Wax sleds or check skate edges, then store them by the door.
- Refill coffee, tea, cocoa, and a favorite soup, small comforts matter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is it safe to drive today?
A: Use caution. Freezing rain this morning will create slick spots. Go slow and avoid bridges if possible. Watch for black ice after sunset.
Q: When will the freezing rain end?
A: The mix should ease by late morning to midday. Temperatures may briefly rise above freezing, then drop again this evening.
Q: Can I still run or hike outside?
A: Yes, if you choose treated routes and traction. Dress in layers and cut distance if surfaces get slick.
Q: How should I prepare for next weekend’s cold?
A: Test your heat, gather warm layers, wrap pipes, and set plans that let you stay flexible with weather. Check updates from NWS Louisville as the period gets closer.
Q: What if the power goes out?
A: Use layers, avoid open flames indoors, and move to a heated spot if needed. Keep phones charged and check on neighbors.
Winter is here, and it is active. We are getting snow now, a glaze this morning, a brief midday bump, and a refreeze tonight. Then, a hard punch of cold is lining up for next weekend. Plan your fun with care, and prepare your home with purpose. The right layers, a few smart checks, and a warm plan will let you enjoy the season, not just endure it. Stay safe, stay curious, and make the cold work for you.
