Kentucky wakes up wrapped in mild air, with clouds hanging low and damp pavement still holding last night’s warmth. It feels more like early fall than late December, but that calm won’t last.
Across western Kentucky, temperatures surge into the upper 60s and low 70s today, setting the stage for busy weekend travel. According to the National Weather Service in Paducah, patchy dense fog may develop late tonight, especially near rivers and low-lying roads. Visibility could drop quickly for drivers on I-24, US-60, and KY-286.
Saturday stays unusually warm and mostly quiet. Sunshine breaks through at times, and highs again approach 70 degrees. It’s a rare December window for outdoor plans, but travelers should stay weather-aware.
Conditions shift on Sunday. Clouds thicken by midday, and showers develop during the afternoon. A few thunderstorms are possible by evening. While widespread severe weather is not expected, gusty winds could briefly impact travel, especially for high-profile vehicles and drivers crossing open stretches near the Tennessee and Ohio rivers.
Behind the rain, colder air rushes in fast Sunday night. Temperatures fall toward freezing, and rain may mix with snow before ending. Any leftover moisture could freeze on bridges and overpasses early Monday, creating slick spots for commuters and holiday travelers.
The cold settles in as the region heads toward New Year’s Week 2026. Daytime highs drop into the 30s, a sharp contrast from the weekend warmth. While major snow is not guaranteed, the rapid warm-to-cold transition raises the risk for black ice, especially during early mornings.
Plan extra travel time Sunday night into Monday. Secure loose items ahead of gusty winds, and stay alert for changing road conditions.
Traveling this weekend or heading out for New Year’s? Let us know what you’re seeing where you are.
Five-Day Outlook for Paducah, Kentucky
- Today: Mostly cloudy, warm, high near 71
- Saturday: Partly sunny, very mild, high near 70
- Sunday: Showers, slight thunder chance, high near 73
- Monday: Turning colder, breezy, high near 34
- Tuesday: Cold but calmer, mostly sunny, high near 37
