Paducah, KY – Eastern Missouri and Kentucky residents are preparing for a week of extreme weather as scattered showers and thunderstorms will give way to oppressive heat. The National Weather Service in Paducah, Kentucky, forecasts showers and thunderstorms from Sunday through Monday, with a lower chance of rain persisting through the rest of the week.
According to the National Weather Service, today’s high temperatures will range from 82 to 87 degrees, with heavy rain possible. Monday’s forecast shows scattered thunderstorms, especially in southwest Indiana, southeast Illinois, and western Kentucky, with temperatures reaching up to 93 degrees.
From Tuesday to Friday, the region will experience a significant rise in temperatures, climbing into the 90s, coupled with high humidity. The heat index, a measure of how hot it feels when humidity is factored in with actual air temperature, is expected to reach dangerous levels. Afternoon heat indices from Tuesday through Thursday could soar between 105 to 110 degrees, with some areas potentially reaching 115 degrees.
The oppressive heat will primarily affect regions east of the Mississippi River on Tuesday and Wednesday, with isolated thunderstorms possible. Thursday and Friday will see the highest temperatures, with heat indices consistently above 100 degrees. Residents are advised to stay hydrated, take breaks in the shade or air conditioning, and avoid strenuous activities during peak heat hours.
The weekend outlook shows a slight reprieve, with scattered thunderstorms on Friday and isolated storms on Saturday, as temperatures hover around the low 90s. However, the heat index will remain a concern, particularly in the afternoons.
