Paducah, KY – September 2025 finished warmer and wetter than normal across western Kentucky, southern Illinois, southeast Missouri, and southwest Indiana, according to the National Weather Service Paducah office.
Early in the month, the region was on pace for one of its driest Septembers on record. However, forecasters said a shift occurred between Sept. 21–24, when several rounds of rainfall moved through. That late precipitation allowed many areas to end the month with near- to above-average totals. Normal September rainfall ranges from 2.75 to 3.5 inches, but cities such as Poplar Bluff, MO, measured 5.97 inches, while Evansville, IN, received 4.50 inches.
According to the National Weather Service, temperatures also ran well above average. Poplar Bluff recorded an average high of 87.2 degrees, five degrees above normal. Carbondale, IL, and Evansville, IN, each reported average highs of 85.8 degrees, also about five degrees warmer than usual. Several locations reached their warmest readings on Sept. 14, with highs near 98 degrees in Poplar Bluff, Carbondale, and Paducah.
Despite the late-month rainfall, drought relief remained uneven. Carbondale logged just 2.33 inches of precipitation for the month, slightly below average, while other locations such as Poplar Bluff and Owensboro exceeded five inches.
Officials said the region overall experienced warmer-than-normal conditions, continuing a trend seen throughout much of 2025. With cooler autumn weather now approaching, forecasters urge residents to stay alert for ongoing seasonal transitions, especially as harvest season brings additional fire risks during dry spells.
