Paducah, KY – Residents across western Kentucky, southern Illinois, southeast Missouri, and southwest Indiana can expect above-normal temperatures to continue through the weekend, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Paducah.
The agency reported Thursday morning that highs will reach into the mid-to-upper 80s across the region, with some areas such as Paducah, Poplar Bluff, and Cape Girardeau nearing 90 degrees through Saturday. Overnight lows are also forecast to remain warm, holding mostly in the low-to-mid 60s.
According to the NWS, conditions will stay mainly dry through Sunday. Rain chances increase beginning Monday, October 6, as a cold front approaches the region. Precipitation probabilities rise to 25–40% early next week, with the highest chances expected Tuesday into Wednesday.
The combination of heat and dry weather is unusual for early October, when average highs typically sit closer to the mid-70s. The forecast suggests a gradual cooldown after Tuesday, with highs returning to the upper 70s by Wednesday, October 8.
While the extended warmth may benefit outdoor activities and harvest work, residents should prepare for possible travel impacts from scattered showers and storms early next week. Localized downpours could affect commuting and fieldwork as the front moves through.
The National Weather Service will continue to provide updates as the system approaches. Residents are encouraged to monitor local forecasts, especially if planning travel or outdoor events during the first half of next week.
