Paducah, Kentucky – Residents across the Quad State region should prepare for a significant increase in rain and thunderstorm activity later this week, with periods of heavy rainfall possible from Wednesday night through Thursday night.
According to the National Weather Service in Paducah, cooler and less humid conditions will continue through Monday before temperatures gradually warm back to seasonal levels by midweek. The greatest weather concern arrives late Wednesday and continues into Thursday as widespread showers and thunderstorms develop across western Kentucky, southern Illinois, southeast Missouri and southwest Indiana.
Monday will remain pleasant with highs ranging from 74 to 80 degrees and overnight lows between 56 and 63 degrees. Dry conditions and lower humidity will provide favorable conditions for outdoor activities across Paducah, Cape Girardeau, Carbondale, Evansville and surrounding communities.
Across Kentucky – Illinois, rain chances begin increasing Tuesday afternoon and evening as scattered showers and thunderstorms develop. High temperatures will range from 79 to 84 degrees, with most locations remaining dry through much of the day before precipitation becomes more widespread after sunset.
The weather pattern becomes more active Wednesday as southerly winds strengthen and moisture increases across the region. High temperatures are expected to climb into the mid-80s to around 90 degrees before thunderstorms become more numerous Wednesday evening and overnight.
Thursday currently appears to bring the highest impact period. Forecast guidance from the National Weather Service shows widespread rain and thunderstorms across the region, with several communities carrying precipitation probabilities between 80% and 90%. Heavy rainfall may lead to localized flooding of low-lying roads, poor-drainage areas and urban locations.
Residents should monitor forecast updates closely, especially those with outdoor plans Wednesday night and Thursday. Drivers should be prepared for reduced visibility and ponding water during heavier downpours.
The threat for numerous showers and thunderstorms is expected to continue through Thursday night, and additional watches, advisories or flood-related alerts may be issued as confidence increases in rainfall amounts and storm coverage.
