Paducah, Kentucky – January 2026 concluded with colder-than-normal temperatures and below-average precipitation across western Kentucky, southern Illinois, southeast Missouri, and southwest Indiana, according to the National Weather Service Paducah office.
Climate data shows average temperatures finished 3 to 4 degrees below normal across the region. In Paducah, the average temperature for the month was 31.8°F, while Evansville averaged 29.4°F, Cape Girardeau 30.9°F, and Carbondale 30.3°F. The coldest lows occurred late in the month, with temperatures dropping to 1°F to -2°F in several locations.
Despite drier-than-normal precipitation, snowfall totals were notably high. Paducah recorded 8.3 inches of snow, making January 2026 its 8th snowiest January on record. Evansville received 12.6 inches, ranking as the 5th snowiest January, while Cape Girardeau measured 7.2 inches.
The month featured a sharp contrast in temperature trends. The first two weeks ranked among the 10th warmest starts on record for Paducah, followed by a significant pattern shift. The final two weeks became the 6th coldest late-January period on record, driving monthly averages well below normal.
Total precipitation ranged from 0.91 inches in Cape Girardeau to 2.75 inches in Evansville, placing most locations 1.5 to 2.6 inches below normal. Reduced rainfall combined with repeated snow events led to frequent slick travel conditions along Interstate 24 near Paducah, I-69 near Evansville, and I-55 near Cape Girardeau.
The National Weather Service noted that January 2026 serves as a clear example of how rapid pattern changes can significantly impact monthly climate outcomes.
This summary may be especially relevant for commuters, transportation crews, and students who experienced repeated winter travel disruptions.
