A prolonged Arctic cold wave is expected to arrive Friday across western Kentucky and the lower Ohio Valley, bringing dangerous wind chills through the weekend.
According to the National Weather Service office in Paducah, a powerful Arctic cold front will sweep through the region Friday, ushering in near-zero to subzero wind chills that are expected to persist Friday through Saturday night. Wind chill values during this period are forecast to drop well below normal, creating hazardous conditions for anyone outdoors for extended periods.
Communities including Paducah, Mayfield, Hopkinsville, Murray, and Owensboro are expected to experience the coldest conditions, particularly during overnight and early morning hours. Travel along major corridors such as I-24, I-69, US-45, and I-57 may be affected as exposed drivers and pedestrians face bitter cold during commutes.
Despite temperatures running 10 to 20 degrees below normal, plentiful sunshine today will help melt lingering snowpack across parts of the region. However, forecasters caution that colder air will return quickly behind Friday’s front. A chance of snow showers is expected from Friday into Saturday, though no accumulation is currently anticipated.
The primary concern with this system is cold exposure rather than snowfall. Wind chills this low can lead to frostbite on exposed skin in 30 minutes or less. The National Weather Service urges residents to dress in layers, cover all exposed skin, and limit time outdoors when possible. Families and neighbors are encouraged to check on vulnerable individuals, and pets should be brought indoors.
Looking ahead, temperatures are expected to moderate back toward normal early next week, with the next chance of light rain or snow arriving late Tuesday. Until then, residents should continue monitoring forecast updates and take cold-weather precautions seriously as winter conditions persist across the region.
