Paducah, Kentucky — Strong to severe thunderstorms could affect western Kentucky and nearby states late Tuesday into Wednesday.
According to the National Weather Service in Paducah, scattered storms may develop Tuesday afternoon to the north and west of the region, potentially spreading into parts of western Kentucky, southern Illinois and southwest Indiana Tuesday evening and overnight.
Any storms that develop may become strong to severe before midnight, with threats including damaging wind gusts, large hail and an isolated tornado.
Forecasters say the greatest risk for widespread showers and thunderstorms is expected Wednesday morning into Wednesday afternoon, moving from west to east across the region.
Heavy rainfall may also accompany the storms, which could lead to localized flash flooding, particularly in areas that receive repeated rounds of rain.
Rainfall totals across the region are generally expected to reach around 1 to 1.5 inches this week, including areas such as Paducah, Cape Girardeau, Marion, Mount Vernon, Evansville and Hopkinsville.
Temperatures are forecast to remain above seasonal averages through much of the week, with highs climbing into the upper 70s Tuesday across parts of western Kentucky and southern Illinois.
A brief cool-down is expected Thursday and again early next week, when highs may drop into the upper 40s to lower 50s in some communities.
Residents are encouraged to stay weather aware and monitor forecasts, particularly if storms develop overnight.
For commuters, students and shift workers, storms could affect late Tuesday travel and the Wednesday morning commute across the region.
