Missouri–Kentucky Border – Residents along the Missouri–Kentucky line can expect a mostly quiet but changing weather pattern this weekend, with warmer temperatures Saturday, a brief cool-down, then a notable warm-up just ahead of Christmas Eve.
According to the National Weather Service in Paducah, Saturday will bring a fair amount of sunshine across southeast Missouri and western Kentucky, including the Bootheel, Purchase Area, and surrounding counties. Afternoon highs are expected to reach the low to mid-50s, but it will feel breezy at times, with southwest wind gusts reaching up to 25 mph, especially in open and rural areas.
A dry cold front is forecast to move through Saturday night. While no rain is expected with the front, it will usher in cooler air for Sunday. High temperatures will fall back into the low to mid-40s across much of the Missouri–Kentucky border region, making it feel more seasonable for mid-December.
By Monday, temperatures will begin to rebound slightly, with highs returning to the lower 50s. The NWS notes that light showers are possible Monday into Tuesday, though widespread or heavy rainfall is not expected at this time. Travel impacts should remain minimal.
The bigger shift arrives Tuesday and continues into Christmas Eve, when a significant warm-up takes hold. Highs are projected to climb into the upper 50s to upper 60s, with Christmas Eve temperatures potentially nearing 70 degrees in parts of western Kentucky and southeast Missouri. Skies are expected to be mostly cloudy but mild, favorable for holiday travel and outdoor plans.
Residents are advised to secure lightweight outdoor items Saturday due to gusty winds and stay updated on early-week rain chances.
