Paducah, Ky. – Dangerous heat is gripping the southern half of the Quad State region today, with heat indices climbing as high as 109° and a Heat Advisory in effect until 7 p.m.
According to the National Weather Service in Paducah, the worst heat and humidity will build quickly by midday Friday across areas including Paducah, Cape Girardeau, and Madisonville. While the oppressive conditions may only peak for a few hours, severe thunderstorms are expected to sweep through by late afternoon, bringing heavy rainfall, lightning, and isolated gusty winds.
The advisory covers much of western Kentucky and southeast Missouri, including cities like Murray, Owensboro, and New Madrid. Residents are urged to stay hydrated, limit outdoor exposure, and never leave pets or children in vehicles. Roads may become slick during downpours, and power outages are possible due to gusty winds.
The brief reprieve from storms won’t last long. Heat and humidity will return over the weekend, setting the stage for a more intense heat wave next week. Meteorologists warn that temperatures could reach their peak by Thursday, with further advisories likely.
Warnings remain in effect through 7 p.m. Friday, with more alerts possible early next week.
