Kentucky is expected to get a significant dose of rainfall this weekend as the remnants of Hurricane Isaias move north through the region.

The National Weather Service in Louisville said Thursday that most areas could receive between 0.75 and 1.5 inches of rain, with some locations in southern and central Kentucky potentially seeing up to 3 inches.

The heaviest rainfall is expected Saturday night into Sunday.

For an area that has been dealing with dry conditions, forecasters said the rain could be beneficial.

Rain arrives Saturday

Dry and warm weather will continue through Friday, with temperatures reaching the low to mid-80s.

Rain chances will begin increasing across southern Kentucky Saturday afternoon as the tropical system moves north.

The National Weather Service said the more significant rainfall and gusty winds are expected to arrive Saturday evening and continue overnight.

Winds could gust between 25 and 35 mph in southern Kentucky, with gusts up to about 25 mph elsewhere.

The weather service said the system's strong winds higher in the atmosphere are not expected to fully mix down to the surface because of stable conditions near the ground.

How much rain is expected?

Forecast rainfall totals currently call for:

• 0.75 to 1.5 inches across much of the region
• Up to 3 inches in localized areas, particularly in southern and central Kentucky

The rainfall is expected to be widespread rather than a series of isolated thunderstorms.

Forecasters said the system is moving through an environment with little instability, which means the threat for tropical tornadoes is low.

A few weak, brief tornadoes could still be possible, particularly in southern Kentucky if the system moves faster than currently expected.

Flooding risk remains limited

Despite the amount of rain expected, widespread flooding is not currently anticipated.

The National Weather Service said localized flooding concerns could develop, particularly where heavier rainfall occurs.

The dry conditions leading into the weekend should allow much of the rainfall to soak into the ground.

The weather service described the rainfall as beneficial because it could help combat ongoing drought conditions.

Drier weather returns Monday

The rain should begin moving out early Monday as the remnants of the tropical system are pushed northeast.

Drier weather and clearing skies are expected to follow, with temperatures remaining in the upper 70s and low 80s through Tuesday.

The bottom line

Kentucky is headed for a wet weekend, with most areas expected to receive around an inch of rain and some locations potentially getting as much as 3 inches. The rain could provide needed relief from dry conditions, but localized flooding and gusty winds will be possible Saturday night and Sunday.