Paducah, KY – A steady weekend rain system is expected to bring up to 1.5 inches of rainfall across western Kentucky and surrounding states, with impacts possible along Interstate 24 through Sunday morning.
According to the US National Weather Service in Paducah, rain showers began entering the region early Saturday, with steadier rainfall developing during the afternoon and continuing overnight into Sunday. Forecast totals range from 0.75 inches in northeast portions of the region to as much as 1.5 inches farther south, including areas near Paducah, Murray, and Hopkinsville.
Cities along I-24, I-69, and I-55 — including Cape Girardeau, Evansville, and Poplar Bluff — could see periods of moderate rainfall that may reduce visibility and create ponding on roadways.
Forecasters note that with much of the winter season remaining dry, the rainfall is expected to be largely beneficial.
After the rain exits Sunday morning, temperatures will trend sharply warmer next week. Highs are projected to reach the 60s by Tuesday, with some locations potentially climbing into the lower 70s Wednesday and Thursday. Breezy southerly winds midweek are expected to help boost temperatures and keep overnight lows in the 50s Tuesday night.
The warming trend represents well above normal temperatures for mid-February across western Kentucky, southern Illinois, southeast Missouri, and southwest Indiana.
Commuters and students returning to school Sunday evening and Monday morning should monitor for lingering wet roads before a stretch of unseasonably warm weather develops.
Residents are encouraged to check weather.gov/pah for updated forecasts as conditions evolve.
