Paducah, Kentucky – Bitter winter cold is settling across western Kentucky and the lower Ohio Valley, with dangerous wind chills expected overnight into Sunday afternoon. A Cold Weather Advisory remains in effect as temperatures fall sharply and gusty winds drive wind chills to life-threatening levels.
The most serious impacts arrive after midnight, when wind chills are expected to drop as low as 12 below zero across western Kentucky, southern Illinois, southwest Indiana, and southeast Missouri. The coldest conditions are likely from predawn hours through mid-morning Sunday, when exposed skin can quickly become vulnerable to frostbite and hypothermia.
According to the National Weather Service office in Paducah, the advisory runs from midnight CST tonight through noon CST Sunday. Counties affected include McCracken, Graves, Marshall, Calloway, Christian, Hopkins, Henderson, Daviess, and surrounding areas. Cities such as Paducah, Mayfield, Murray, Hopkinsville, Owensboro, and Henderson will all feel the worst of the cold early Sunday.
Travelers heading out overnight or Sunday morning should plan for dangerous cold, especially along I-24, I-69, and rural highways where winds remain exposed. According to emergency management officials, residents should dress in layers, cover exposed skin, and limit time outdoors whenever possible. Pets should be brought inside, and vulnerable neighbors should be checked on before conditions deteriorate.
Utilities typically see increased demand during cold snaps like this. Residents are encouraged to charge devices, avoid overloading space heaters, and ensure safe heating practices overnight. Even short outdoor tasks early Sunday could become hazardous without proper clothing.
Temperatures begin a slow recovery Sunday afternoon, but cold conditions linger into early next week across the region.
