Kentucky – Cool air sweeps across the Ohio Valley this morning as powerful west-northwest winds tear through the region, rattling trees and sending crisp leaves flying across open fields. Travelers heading out early for Thanksgiving should brace for crosswinds on Interstates 24 and 57, where gusts could reach 40 mph through the afternoon, making high-profile driving tricky and outdoor preparations challenging.
According to the National Weather Service in Paducah, a Wind Advisory remains in effect until 3 p.m. for southern Illinois and southwest Indiana. The strongest gusts are expected through midday, with calmer but colder air settling in by tonight. The advisory covers much of southern Illinois north of Interstate 64, where unsecured objects and lightweight decorations could be blown around.
Thanksgiving Day itself will bring quieter, cooler conditions — sunny skies, highs in the mid-40s, and a light northwest breeze offering a crisp, classic holiday feel. Those hosting family outdoors or lighting early decorations should plan for evening lows dropping near freezing, allowing for light frost in some low-lying areas.
By Saturday, forecasters are eyeing a developing system that could bring a mix of rain and snow showers across western Kentucky and southern Illinois. While accumulation remains uncertain, models hint at a “winter tease” — a sign of colder air gaining momentum ahead of a major Arctic front expected to arrive December 1–5.
That front could deliver below-normal temperatures across much of the central and eastern U.S., setting up possible heavy snow in the northern tier and travel disruptions as millions return home from Thanksgiving weekend.
Now’s the time to secure loose outdoor items, prepare vehicles for colder weather, and plan flexible return trips as early December turns sharply more wintry.
