Paducah, Ky. – Outdoor burning and roadside sparks could trigger fast-moving grass fires across western Kentucky through Friday evening as humidity drops to 20 to 30 percent and southwest winds gust up to 20 mph, especially along the I-24 and I-69 corridors.
According to the National Weather Service in Paducah, very dry air and dormant winter vegetation combined with sustained winds of 7 to 15 mph will create elevated fire danger across the Ozark Foothills and southwest Illinois, extending into McCracken, Graves, and Ballard counties. Officials report several recent wildfires in the region, and rainfall earlier this week did little to improve fuel moisture.
Communities from Paducah to Mayfield and Murray will see warm afternoon temperatures and breezy conditions Friday. Along US-60 and US-45, drivers may notice blowing dust in open farm fields, while any discarded cigarette or dragging trailer chain could ignite roadside grass. Emergency managers urge residents to avoid outdoor burning and secure equipment that could produce sparks.
Conditions begin to shift late Saturday night as a frontal boundary approaches. Rain chances increase Sunday and continue through early next week. Multiple rounds of showers could bring between 1 and 1.5 inches of rainfall across western Kentucky, with locally higher totals possible near the Tennessee border. Wet roads may affect travel on I-24 and the Purchase Parkway, particularly during heavier downpours Sunday night into Monday morning.
Residents should remain weather-aware through the weekend. Fire danger remains elevated through Friday evening, and additional statements could be issued as rain timing becomes clearer heading into early next week.
