PADUCAH, Ky. – Despite two weeks of 90-degree heat, August closed out much cooler and dramatically drier than normal across western Kentucky, southern Illinois, and southeast Missouri. The region recorded some of its driest August conditions on record, with rainfall totals less than half an inch in several cities.
According to the National Weather Service in Paducah, Paducah measured just 1.38 inches of rain—1.73 inches below normal—while Cape Girardeau received only 0.57 inches, ranking as its sixth driest August. Carbondale reported a shocking 0.02 inches, the driest August on record. Poplar Bluff managed only 0.52 inches, its second driest ever.
Evansville also saw one of its driest Augusts, with 0.72 inches, nearly 2.5 inches below average. The parched conditions came despite 14 straight days topping 90 degrees earlier in the month. Relief arrived late when a cool spell dropped overnight lows into the 40s and 50s, with Paducah setting a new record of eight consecutive August nights below 60 degrees.
The lack of rainfall is expected to worsen ongoing drought concerns across the Ohio and Mississippi Valley. Officials urge residents to conserve water and remain alert for updates as fall planting and harvest season approach.
Five Day Forecast for Paducah, KY
- Tuesday: Mostly sunny, high 87, low 64
- Wednesday: Partly cloudy, high 85, low 63
- Thursday: Sunny, high 86, low 65
- Friday: Increasing clouds, slight rain chance late, high 84, low 66
- Saturday: Partly sunny, high 83, low 65
