What should you know about Paducah's weather?
- NWS office
- Paducah (PAH)
- Climate
- Humid subtropical
- Time zone
- CST/CDT
- Elevation
- 340 ft
- Coordinates
- 37.08° N, 88.60° W
- Nearest radar
- KPAH · Paducah NEXRAD · 10 mi
- County
- McCracken County, KY
- Yearly rain
- 50.3 in
- Warmest month
- July · 79.7°F average
- Coldest month
- January · 36°F average
- Severe storm peak
- Apr to Jun
How much rain does Paducah get each month?
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 44.7 | 49.7 | 59.7 | 70.4 | 79.1 | 87.1 | 89.9 | 89.5 | 83.2 | 71.8 | 58.5 | 48.3 |
| Low °F | 27.3 | 30.5 | 38.3 | 47.6 | 57.7 | 66.0 | 69.4 | 66.8 | 58.9 | 47.6 | 37.5 | 30.7 |
| Rain (in) | 3.85 | 3.94 | 4.64 | 5.17 | 4.87 | 4.51 | 4.30 | 3.11 | 3.55 | 3.99 | 4.09 | 4.30 |
| Month | High °F | Low °F | Rain (in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 44.7 | 27.3 | 3.85 |
| Feb | 49.7 | 30.5 | 3.94 |
| Mar | 59.7 | 38.3 | 4.64 |
| Apr | 70.4 | 47.6 | 5.17 |
| May | 79.1 | 57.7 | 4.87 |
| Jun | 87.1 | 66.0 | 4.51 |
| Jul | 89.9 | 69.4 | 4.30 |
| Aug | 89.5 | 66.8 | 3.11 |
| Sep | 83.2 | 58.9 | 3.55 |
| Oct | 71.8 | 47.6 | 3.99 |
| Nov | 58.5 | 37.5 | 4.09 |
| Dec | 48.3 | 30.7 | 4.30 |
PADUCAH, KY US · 10 mi away · NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991 to 2020
What should I watch for on Paducah weather radar during heavy rain?
Watch for storms that keep forming upstream and crossing the same neighborhoods, as happened on July 19, 2023. Paducah recorded 6.95 inches that day. The event review describes storms repeatedly developing and tracking over the same areas overnight into the morning. Local flash flooding can develop while rain is still falling, so do not wait for an Ohio River crest before avoiding flooded streets.
How do Ohio River levels relate to the floodwall?
River gauge levels determine floodwall operations, while radar only shows where precipitation is occurring. At 49.5 feet, the NOAA impact list says the first gate closes in the Paducah floodwall. The archive records 55.03 feet on May 5, 2011 and the historic 60.6-foot crest on February 2, 1937. Those are stages on the river gauge, not depths of water downtown; use the river forecast to follow a crest after the rain has moved on.
Can a morning storm produce a tornado near the airport?
Yes, a morning tornado damaged parts of Paducah on March 14, 2019. NWS Paducah rated the tornado EF-2 with estimated peak winds of 125 mph and a total path of 16.7 miles. It reached that intensity intermittently between north of Lovelaceville and southeast of the airport. The survey also documented roof damage at a mall on the west side of Paducah, so morning errands can overlap with a serious storm threat.
How large was the pre-Christmas snow in Paducah?
Paducah measured 14.0 inches on December 22, 2004, the largest calendar-day snowfall in the NWS Paducah list. That list also includes 10.8 inches on February 16, 2015. These daily totals show why a persistent snow band matters more than the apparent brightness of one radar frame. Check accumulation reports and road conditions before assuming a fading echo means easy travel.
When should you check the Paducah radar?
Spring storm clusters
April to JuneAbout 51% of McCracken County's 1996 to 2025 severe reports fall from April to June. Check for growing cells before activities at Bob Noble Park and leave time to reach indoor shelter.
Snow monitoring season
October to AprilNWS Paducah defines this as its snow season. Before using the Greenway Trail, compare approaching precipitation bands with the temperature forecast and surface conditions.
What else do people ask about the Paducah radar?
Which NWS office and radar cover Paducah?
NWS Paducah (PAH) issues forecasts and warnings for Paducah. The nearest NEXRAD radar is KPAH, about 10 miles from the city center.
How often does the radar on this page update?
The radar loop on this page updates every 5 minutes.
Is this page an official warning service?
No. It shows radar and forecasts only. For warnings, follow NWS Paducah and local emergency alerts.
Quick facts
- Radar: KPAH (Paducah NEXRAD), a new frame every 5 minutes
- Forecasts and warnings: NWS Paducah (PAH)
- Severe storms peak from April to June (NOAA Storm Events, 1996 to 2025)
- Local time: CST/CDT
- Radar: KPAH, a new frame every 5 minutes
- Warnings: NWS Paducah (PAH)
- Severe storms: April to June
- Local time: CST/CDT
Where does this data come from?
- NOAA NEXRAD radar via Iowa Environmental Mesonet
- National Weather Service, Paducah office
- NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991 to 2020: PADUCAH, KY US
- NOAA NCEI Storm Events Database, 1996 to 2025
- USGS Elevation Point Query Service
- GOES-East satellite imagery
- Open-Meteo forecast API
- OpenStreetMap contributors
- NWS Paducah: Historic overnight flash flooding
- NOAA National Water Prediction Service: Ohio River at Paducah
- NWS Paducah: Morning tornado near Barkley Regional Airport
- NWS Paducah: Snowfall climatology
- City of Paducah: Bob Noble Park and Greenway Trail