Paducah, Kentucky – The new year is opening on a calm note across western Kentucky and the Quad State, with near-normal temperatures and mostly dry conditions carrying the region through the New Year’s Day weekend.
According to the National Weather Service in Paducah, temperatures will stay close to seasonal averages through Saturday. Highs on New Year’s Day reach the low to mid-40s, with overnight lows dipping into the upper 20s. Skies remain partly sunny to mostly cloudy, offering quiet travel conditions across McCracken, Marshall, Graves, and surrounding counties.
Friday brings increasing clouds as a weak system approaches from the southwest. Rain is expected to develop Friday afternoon and continue through Friday night, mainly across the southern half of the Quad State. Areas closer to the Arkansas and Tennessee borders could see rainfall amounts approaching a quarter inch, while locations farther north may see little or no rain at all. No flooding concerns are anticipated, but wet roads could impact the Friday evening commute.
Saturday trends drier again, with partial sunshine returning and highs remaining in the mid-40s. Sunday looks brighter and seasonable, keeping conditions favorable for outdoor plans and travel. Overnight lows through the weekend generally remain in the 20s, so residents should continue to protect exposed pipes and provide cold-weather shelter for pets.
Looking ahead, forecasters note a noticeable warm-up is expected early next week, with sunshine increasing and temperatures climbing well above normal. No winter weather hazards are currently expected.
Additional updates will be issued if rain coverage shifts northward or if temperatures trend warmer faster than expected, but for now, the Quad State can expect a quiet, manageable start to 2026.
