Paducah, Ky. — A steady warming trend takes hold across western Kentucky and southern Illinois beginning Sunday, bringing springlike temperatures and dry travel conditions along I-24, I-69, and I-55 through the early part of next week.
The National Weather Service in Paducah said temperatures rebound quickly after a cold start to the weekend, with highs climbing above freezing Sunday and continuing to rise through Tuesday. By Monday and Tuesday, several locations may approach or reach 60 degrees, an abrupt shift from recent winter conditions.
The warmup becomes noticeable along I-24 from Paducah through Eddyville, I-69 near Madisonville and Henderson, and I-55 from Sikeston toward Cape Girardeau. Roads remain dry, with no winter weather impacts expected during the warming stretch.
Communities benefiting from the milder pattern include Paducah, Murray, Hopkinsville, Madisonville, Owensboro, Cape Girardeau, Carbondale, Marion, and Evansville. Afternoon temperatures reach the upper 50s to lower 60s in many of these areas by Monday afternoon, while overnight lows stay above freezing for most locations.
Forecasters said the extended period of above-freezing temperatures reduces concerns for icy roads and frozen infrastructure across the region. The warming trend also helps melt residual snow or ice in shaded and rural areas without creating flooding issues.
Travel conditions remain favorable through at least midweek, with no significant rain expected through Tuesday. Winds stay relatively light, supporting stable driving conditions across major corridors and secondary highways.
The next chance for rain arrives later next week, but no sharp cooldown follows immediately behind it. For now, the pattern supports one of the most prolonged stretches of mild winter weather so far this season for the lower Ohio and mid-Mississippi valleys.
Motorists and outdoor workers are encouraged to remain mindful of lingering cold mornings, but overall conditions trend increasingly comfortable as February progresses.
