Rain And Rising Temperatures Forecast For Western Kentucky

Warmer weather and rain expected after last week's freezing temperatures and wintry precipitation

Published on Feb. 2, 2026

After a period of below-freezing temperatures and wintry weather last week, the Paducah, Kentucky area is expected to see rising temperatures and rain on Tuesday. A lead forecaster for the National Weather Service in Paducah said temperatures could reach the 40s on Tuesday, with precipitation starting in the mid-morning hours, though it may be considered "non-traditional freezing rain." The forecaster added that a warming trend is on the horizon, with overnight lows remaining below freezing through the weekend, but above-normal temperatures are likely next week.

Why it matters

The changing weather patterns in Western Kentucky, including the shift from freezing temperatures to warmer weather and rain, are indicative of the broader climate trends impacting the region. Understanding these weather changes is important for local residents, businesses, and officials to prepare and adapt accordingly.

The details

According to Keith Cooley, a lead forecaster for the National Weather Service in Paducah, temperatures on Tuesday will climb into the 40s, with precipitation starting in the mid-morning hours. Cooley described the precipitation as potentially being "non-traditional freezing rain." He added that a warming trend appears to be on the horizon, with overnight lows remaining below the freezing mark through the weekend, but above-normal temperatures are likely next week.

  • On Tuesday, temperatures are expected to reach the 40s with precipitation starting in the mid-morning hours.
  • Overnight lows will remain below freezing through the weekend.
  • Above-normal temperatures are likely to arrive next week.

The players

Keith Cooley

A lead forecaster for the National Weather Service in Paducah, Kentucky.

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What they’re saying

“Temperatures on Tuesday will climb into the 40s, with precipitation starting in the mid-morning hours. It could be considered non-traditional freezing rain.”

— Keith Cooley, Lead Forecaster, National Weather Service in Paducah (wkdzradio.com)

“A warming trend appears to be on the horizon.”

— Keith Cooley, Lead Forecaster, National Weather Service in Paducah (wkdzradio.com)

The takeaway

The changing weather patterns in Western Kentucky, including the shift from freezing temperatures to warmer weather and rain, highlight the broader climate trends impacting the region. Understanding these weather changes is crucial for local residents, businesses, and officials to prepare and adapt accordingly.