Paducah, KY – Dry air and gusty winds will elevate wildfire danger across western Kentucky through Saturday evening, especially near US-60 and I-24 where warm temperatures climb into the 60s and low 70s.
According to the National Weather Service in Paducah, elevated fire weather conditions will persist Saturday, primarily impacting the Ozarks and western portions of Kentucky and southern Illinois. Afternoon highs are expected to reach between 63 and 73 degrees, while relative humidity drops and south winds increase. Gusts could approach 30 mph at times, allowing any fires that develop to spread quickly.
Outdoor burning is discouraged, particularly in open fields near the I-69 corridor and rural stretches of McCracken, Ballard and Graves counties. Even small sparks from equipment or roadside debris could ignite dry grasses. Drivers should avoid parking on dry vegetation and properly dispose of cigarettes.
A pattern shift begins Sunday with cooler temperatures and increasing rain chances. By early Monday morning, a light mix of rain and snow may briefly develop near the I-64 corridor in southern Illinois and southwest Indiana. No accumulation is expected, but a few wet snowflakes could mix in before temperatures rise above freezing.
More widespread rain is likely Tuesday into Wednesday, potentially slowing travel along I-24 and US-62 during periods of steadier showers.
Fire danger will ease once rain becomes more consistent early next week. Until then, officials urge residents to avoid outdoor burning and remain alert for rapidly changing conditions through Saturday evening.
