Paducah, Kentucky – Residents across western Kentucky are sweating through another dangerously hot day, with heat index values soaring as high as 110°F through Wednesday evening. The National Weather Service has issued an Excessive Heat Warning across much of the region, urging people to avoid strenuous activity and stay hydrated.
According to the NWS Paducah office, a cold front is forecast to push through late Wednesday night, triggering isolated severe storms primarily north of Interstate 64. Damaging wind gusts between 60 to 70 mph pose the main threat, especially near Evansville, Mount Vernon, and the I-64 corridor. The tornado risk remains very low, and hail over one inch is unlikely.
Cities like Cape Girardeau, Poplar Bluff, and Owensboro remain under the highest heat alerts, with car interiors reaching lethal temperatures in minutes. Officials advise residents to check on elderly neighbors, keep pets indoors, and avoid leaving children in vehicles. If storms do develop, brief power outages or tree damage could occur Wednesday night.
The good news? Once the front clears, sunshine and highs in the low to mid-80s return starting Friday. Expect picture-perfect conditions from August 1–3 across the state.
⚠️ Heat Warnings remain in effect until at least 8 p.m. Wednesday. Monitor local alerts for updated storm timing.
📅 Five-Day Weather Outlook: Western Kentucky
- Tuesday, July 29: Extreme heat, high 98°F, heat index near 110°F
- Wednesday, July 30: Continued heat, scattered PM storms, high 96°F
- Thursday, July 31: Morning clouds, clearing, high 87°F
- Friday, August 1: Mostly sunny, breezy, high 82°F / low 68°F
- Saturday, August 2: Sunny and dry, high 82°F / low 63°F
