PADUCAH, Ky. – A stretch of classic October weather greets western Kentucky this Columbus Day weekend, bringing warm days, cool nights, and pockets of early fog. Morning drivers along I-24 should slow down through dense patches near Paducah, Metropolis, and Benton as visibility may briefly drop below a half mile.
According to the National Weather Service in Paducah, calm winds and lingering humidity will promote fog formation through early Sunday and Monday mornings before skies turn bright and sunny each afternoon. Highs will rise into the upper 70s and low 80s through Tuesday, offering ideal conditions for fall festivals, pumpkin patches, and park outings across McCracken and Graves counties.
Traffic officials encourage motorists to use low-beam headlights in fog and to allow extra space on rural roads. Despite the tranquil setup, forecasters note a gradual cool-down midweek as northern breezes return—an early sign of a potential late-October cold snap.
By midweek, cooler mornings could flirt with the low 50s, though no frost or freeze threat is expected yet. The extended dry spell is welcome news for local farmers and outdoor planners, keeping leaf-viewing trails and harvest events running smoothly across western Kentucky and southern Illinois.
Residents are urged to stay weather-aware as the pattern shifts later in the week, with cooler nights hinting that the next big fall front may arrive before Halloween.
Five-Day Forecast for Paducah, KY:
Sat: 78/51 – Fog early, then sunny; light wind.
Sun: 79/50 – Patchy fog at dawn, sunny later.
Mon (Columbus Day): 81/55 – Sunny and pleasant; great for outdoor events.
Tue: 82/57 – Mostly sunny; calm wind, continued warmth.
Wed: 79/52 – Clear and mild; cooler breeze developing by afternoon.
