Paducah, Kentucky – Storms return to western Kentucky and southern Illinois Thursday with a punch—bringing the risk of damaging wind, dangerous lightning, and locally heavy rainfall by early afternoon.
According to the National Weather Service in Paducah, scattered thunderstorms are likely to develop between 1 and 4 p.m. Thursday across southeast Missouri and southern Illinois, with the highest threat over areas near Paducah and along U.S. Route 60. A 70% chance of showers and storms is expected, and while widespread severe weather isn’t guaranteed, isolated strong storms could produce wind gusts over 40 mph and frequent lightning. Flash flooding in low-lying areas is also possible.
Thursday night, the storm threat continues with additional rounds of rain and thunder—especially near McCracken, Massac, and Ballard counties. Friday offers no reprieve, with multiple rounds of thunderstorms likely between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. The most intense cells could bring damaging wind and brief downpours, making travel hazardous into the evening.
Residents should secure outdoor items, charge devices in case of outages, and avoid driving through flooded roads. Formal storm spotter activation isn’t planned, but the NWS urges anyone witnessing significant weather to report conditions.
More showers linger into the weekend, especially on Saturday afternoon. Sunday and Monday bring drier spells with only slight chances of afternoon storms and seasonable temperatures.
📆 5-Day Forecast: Paducah, KY
- Wednesday (June 4): Sunny, high 88°F. Breezy southwest winds.
- Thursday (June 5): Showers and storms likely, high 84°F. Risk of severe weather between 1–4 p.m.
- Friday (June 6): Thunderstorms throughout the day, high near 83°F. Flash flood potential in some areas.
- Saturday (June 7): Scattered afternoon storms, high 84°F. Calm wind early, increasing by afternoon.
- Sunday (June 8): Slight storm chance, high 84°F. Partly cloudy and warm.
- Monday (June 9): Isolated showers, high near 84°F. Drier in the evening.
