Paducah, KY – A major pattern change is set to bring the coldest air of the season to western Kentucky and the lower Ohio Valley early next week.
According to the US National Weather Service Paducah, overnight lows will drop into the low to mid-20s Monday and Tuesday mornings, with widespread subfreezing temperatures expected across southern Illinois, southeast Missouri, and western Kentucky. Wind chills will make it feel even colder — in the teens to near 20°F both mornings.
The weather service warns this will be the first widespread hard freeze of the season, likely ending the growing season for the region. Residents are urged to protect plants, pets, and exposed pipes, and to ensure space heaters and heating systems are functioning safely ahead of the cold blast.
Daytime highs will struggle to reach the upper 30s to mid-40s Monday before slowly moderating midweek. Another cold morning is expected Tuesday, with wind chills dropping as low as 15°F in some areas.
The bitter conditions mark a sharp shift from this week’s mild weather and could cause slick spots on bridges and elevated roads during early morning commutes.
