Paducah, Ky. – Dangerous heat will grip western Kentucky and southern Illinois through midweek, with highs soaring into the upper 90s by Saturday and Sunday. Conditions will remain mostly dry, giving little relief from the prolonged stretch of above-normal temperatures.
According to the National Weather Service in Paducah, isolated showers may pop up this weekend, but widespread rain is unlikely. Afternoon highs from Evansville to Cape Girardeau are expected to top out between 94 and 97 degrees through Tuesday before easing slightly into the upper 80s by Friday.
The heat will be especially tough on those spending time outdoors or in non-air-conditioned spaces. Cities including Owensboro, Murray, and Hopkinsville are forecast to see multiple days of heat indices near 100°F, which could increase risks of dehydration and heat exhaustion. Residents are urged to drink plenty of water, limit strenuous activity during peak afternoon hours, and check on elderly neighbors.
While nighttime lows in the mid-60s may offer some relief, the lack of rain means lawns and crops could start to show stress by the end of the week. The National Weather Service notes this hot, dry pattern may persist into next weekend.
Five Day Forecast for Paducah, KY
- Saturday: High 95, Low 64, isolated storm chance 5%
- Sunday: High 97, Low 65, mostly sunny, 10% rain chance
- Monday: High 95, Low 66, dry, hot
- Tuesday: High 95, Low 66, sunny and hot
- Wednesday: High 92, Low 66, hot, dry
