Paducah, Kentucky – Stormy afternoons and dangerous heat are set to grip Paducah and much of western Kentucky through Saturday, with heat indices topping 100 degrees and daily thunderstorms bringing risks of heavy rain, gusty winds, and lightning.
According to the National Weather Service Paducah, humidity and high temperatures will remain stubbornly high, with highs in the lower 90s Wednesday through Saturday. Overnight lows will offer little relief, only dropping into the low 70s. Each day brings a renewed chance of strong thunderstorms, mainly in the afternoon and evening hours.
Cities across the region—including Mayfield, Murray, and Benton—should watch for sudden downpours and wind gusts over 40 mph. Flash flooding is possible in low-lying areas and along highways like US-45 and I-24. Utility outages could occur if storms knock down trees or power lines. Residents are urged to limit outdoor activity during peak afternoon heat, stay hydrated, and keep electronic devices charged in case of power interruptions.
Friday and Saturday will be especially dangerous, with heat indices reaching or exceeding 100 degrees in Paducah, Madisonville, and Hopkinsville. This pattern of unsettled, muggy weather is expected to persist into early next week, similar to heat waves experienced in July 2021 and 2022.
Heat advisories and thunderstorm watches may be extended, with the next major update expected Thursday morning.
Five Day Weather at a Glance for Paducah:
- Tonight: Isolated thunderstorms, lows 68–73°F
- Wednesday: Scattered storms, highs 85–90°F, lows 67–72°F
- Thursday: Thunderstorms likely, highs 88–92°F, lows 69–73°F
- Friday: Hot, humid, scattered storms, highs 88–93°F, lows 70–75°F (Heat Index 100+)
- Saturday: Continued storms, highs 87–92°F, lows 68–73°F
