Paducah, KY – A strong cold front will move through western Kentucky late tonight into Friday morning, bringing showers, a few thunderstorms, and a sharp drop in temperatures heading into the weekend.
According to the US National Weather Service in Paducah, rain will develop overnight with isolated thunderstorms possible, especially along the I-64 corridor. While a stronger storm cannot be ruled out, the primary severe weather threat is expected to remain north of the region.
Rainfall totals are expected to stay relatively light, generally around a tenth to two-tenths of an inch in most areas. However, changing conditions overnight could still impact early Friday travel.
Behind the front, much cooler air will settle in Friday, with temperatures running 30 to 35 degrees colder than recent days. Highs are expected to fall into the 50s and low 60s Friday, with even cooler conditions lingering into Saturday.
Forecasters are also monitoring the potential for freezing temperatures early Saturday morning in northern parts of the region, which could impact sensitive plants and outdoor activities.
The cooler stretch will be short-lived, as warmer temperatures are expected to return by Sunday, with highs climbing back into the 60s and 70s — and possibly near 80 degrees early next week.
Residents across western Kentucky, southern Illinois, and southeast Missouri should prepare for changing conditions overnight and a much cooler end to the week.
