Cold air grips western Kentucky this morning as a thin glaze of ice coats windshields, sidewalks, and bridges across Paducah. Snowflakes mix with freezing drizzle along U.S. 60 and I-24, forming a slick, nearly invisible layer on the pavement — a classic early-December hazard for morning commuters.
According to the National Weather Service in Paducah, a mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain will continue early today before tapering by midmorning. While total accumulation is light — generally under an inch of snow — even a thin layer of ice can cause vehicles to lose traction at low speeds. Hazardous travel conditions are expected across parts of western Kentucky, southern Illinois, and southeast Missouri.
Temperatures hover near 30°F, cold enough to keep any moisture frozen on roadways and parking lots. Drivers should take extra caution on bridges, ramps, and untreated side streets where “black ice” tends to develop first. Conditions will gradually improve as skies clear and temperatures climb above freezing later today.
Meteorologists are watching another weak system expected late this week that may bring a brief wintry mix Friday morning before shifting to rain. While no major storm is forecast, fluctuating temperatures mean early December could feature several more mornings of ice potential.
Residents are encouraged to allow extra travel time, clear car windows fully, and avoid using cruise control on slick surfaces. Stay weather-aware as winter conditions settle in across the lower Ohio Valley.
Five-Day Outlook for Paducah, KY
Today: Mostly cloudy, high 36°F.
Tonight: Mostly clear, low 20°F.
Wednesday: Sunny, high 43°F.
Thursday: Partly sunny, high 33°F.
Friday: Partly sunny, high 40°F.
