Paducah, Kentucky – Residents across western Kentucky and the Mid-Mississippi Valley experienced an unusually intense start to spring, with record-breaking heat and persistent winds dominating March conditions.
According to the National Weather Service in Paducah, temperatures surged to an all-time March record of 95°F in Van Buren, Missouri, breaking a regional record that had stood since 1929. Across the region, Paducah, Evansville, and Cape Girardeau all ranked among their warmest March months on record, with temperature departures running as much as 10 degrees above normal.
The warmth was paired with relentless wind. Paducah recorded 213 hours with wind gusts exceeding 20 mph, while Evansville logged 219 hours, making it the windiest March since records began in 1997. Several days also saw gusts surpass 40 mph, contributing to difficult travel and elevated fire risk.
Rainfall varied widely. Northern counties picked up 5 to 7 inches, while southern areas, including parts of western Kentucky, saw totals closer to 2 to 3 inches, allowing drought conditions to worsen.
The pattern produced at least 25 record high temperatures and 14 record warm overnight lows, signaling a historically warm and active March. Additional swings remain possible as spring continues across the region.
