Paducah, KY – Residents across western Kentucky and southern Illinois should prepare for rounds of thunderstorms through Thursday, followed by dangerous heat building into the weekend.
According to the National Weather Service in Paducah, the region faces a heightened risk for flooding and possibly severe storms Monday and Wednesday, with rain chances over 50% in most areas. Storms may bring heavy rainfall, lightning, and localized flash flooding — especially along the Ohio River corridor and urban centers like Paducah, Marion, and Carbondale.
Cities including Owensboro, Hopkinsville, and Henderson will see daily highs in the upper 80s to low 90s, but heat index values will rise sharply late in the week — topping 100°F by Saturday in Paducah, Poplar Bluff, and Madisonville. Outdoor workers and vulnerable populations should take extra precautions, especially Friday through Sunday, when heat indices could reach 105°F in some locations.
Drivers should avoid flood-prone roads during downpours and have backup power options ready in case of outages. Once the storms exit, oppressive humidity and scorching heat will dominate the weekend.
Storm chances drop sharply after Thursday, but extreme heat will persist into early next week. Additional advisories are possible.
