Paducah, Kentucky – A prolonged and intensifying heat wave is gripping the lower Ohio Valley, with dangerous heat index values climbing to 110°–115° expected early next week across Kentucky, southern Illinois, southeast Missouri, and southwest Indiana.
According to the National Weather Service in Paducah, a Heat Advisory remains in effect through 7 p.m. CDT Sunday, with daytime heat index values between 100° and 110°. An Extreme Heat Watch begins Monday afternoon and lasts through Tuesday evening, as conditions are expected to become even more hazardous.
Cities including Paducah, Cape Girardeau, Evansville, and Mount Vernon will all face oppressive heat, with little overnight relief. Sunday will be especially intense, with heat index values exceeding 105° in multiple counties, including Ballard, McCracken, Williamson, and Vanderburgh. In Jefferson County, Indiana, and the Louisville metro area, temperatures could feel as high as 105° until Sunday evening.
Isolated thunderstorms may briefly cool some areas this weekend, but the relief will be limited and localized.
Residents should limit outdoor activity, hydrate often, and avoid leaving children or pets in vehicles. Cooling centers may open in affected counties if conditions worsen Monday.
The Extreme Heat Watch could be upgraded to a Warning, so monitor local alerts and take precautions now.
