Grab your sunglasses, Lexingtonians — summer is officially here. The season signals the promise of warmer days + the ever-frequent afternoon showers, so we’ve put together some of summer weather trends headed our way.

Here’s what to expect this summer based on predictions from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center.

🌡️ Temperature

Think warm and rainy. Expect to see slightly higher-than-average temperatures and precipitation across much of the Southeast US.

In Lexington, temperatures are expected to be in the upper 80s-low 90s throughout July. There’s a 33-40% chance of temps being above normal. Usually, Lexington averages highs of 86° in July and August.

🌨️ Precipitation

Unlike droughts we've seen in the past, El Niño will bring wetter conditions to Kentucky through the rest of the summer.

Keep your umbrella nearby. There’s a 40-50% chance that rain will trend above normal through July.

Beat the heat, andrain

We love the outdoors, but unpredictable weather gives us the perfect excuse to venture inside. Some of our favorite spots to stay cool + dry are:

21c Museum Hotel, 167 W. Main St.
The Burl Arcade, 375 Thompson Rd.
District 7 Social Hall, 1170 Manchester St.
The Kentucky Theatre, 214 E. Main St.
Lexington Peddlers Mall, 1205 E. New Circle Rd.
LexLive, 301 S. Broadway
The Living Arts & Science Center, 362 N. Martin Luther King Blvd.