Paducah, Kentucky – Dangerous heat and humidity are gripping western Kentucky and southeast Missouri through Thursday evening, with heat index values soaring as high as 109° and a continuing risk for afternoon storms.
According to the National Weather Service in Paducah, a Heat Advisory is in effect from noon to 7 p.m. CDT Thursday, impacting cities including Paducah, Cape Girardeau, Marion, and New Madrid. Afternoon highs will reach 95° in Missouri and 96° in Kentucky, while heat index values range from 102° to 109°, making any outdoor activity risky.
Travelers on I-55, I-24, and US 60 should be prepared for potential slowdowns and brief visibility loss during isolated thunderstorms. Power outages and localized flooding could occur with stronger storms. Residents are urged to stay hydrated, limit time outdoors, and check on vulnerable neighbors. Emergency managers recommend charging devices and knowing where to cool off if the power fails.
This level of heat and humidity is rare for mid-July, but similar to summer surges seen in recent years. Showers and thunderstorm chances will continue through Saturday, with the hottest and most dangerous conditions persisting through Thursday.
Heat Advisories may be extended if temperatures remain high. Stay tuned for further updates from the National Weather Service.
Five-Day Forecast: Missouri-Kentucky (Paducah/Cape Girardeau Area)
- Wednesday: Hot, humid, scattered storms. High 95° / Low 76°
- Thursday: Dangerous heat, storms possible. High 96° / Low 75°
- Friday: Partly cloudy, scattered storms. High 91° / Low 75°
- Saturday: Warm, chance of storms. High 93° / Low 75°
- Sunday: Mostly sunny, lower humidity. High 89° / Low 71°
