Heat relief begins to infiltrate the region today after several days of high heat and humidity. Cooler weather is expected this weekend and most of next week, according to the latest forecasts.
Most of the WFIW/WOKZ listening area has had high temperatures into the upper 90s the past few days, with some areas touching 100 degrees. Dewpoints have been in the upper 70s, and in some cases lower 80s, leading to afternoon heat index values near or just above 115 degrees.
A few scattered thunderstorms did develop late Friday afternoon and evening. Parts of Clay County was under a Severe Thunderstorm Warning a little before 5 p.m.
High temperatures this weekend should top out in the upper 80s today and near 80 on Sunday, and most of next week, with high temperatures in the upper 70s a possibility Wednesday and Thursday, with lows dropping into the middle 50s. Dewpoints should also fall into the upper 50s and lower 60s, according to forecasters at the National Weather Service in Paducah, KY. Rain chances after today, however, are slim to non-existent.