(Photo credit: National Hurricane Center)
Warm temperatures will continue across the region through the weekend, but forecasters are watching a tropical system that could bring heavy rain and gusty winds to Southern Illinois by Sunday.
The National Weather Service in Paducah says high temperatures will remain in the low to mid 80s Wednesday through Sunday, with rain chances returning late in the weekend.
Tropical Depression Nine has formed in the Gulf of Mexico and is expected to strengthen as it moves north over the next several days. Current forecasts indicate the system could make landfall along the Gulf Coast between New Orleans and Mobile, Alabama, sometime Sunday morning, potentially as a Category 1 or Category 2 hurricane.
After landfall, the system is expected to weaken to a tropical depression while continuing northward. Moisture from the storm could spread into the Ohio Valley and Southern Illinois by Sunday.
The National Weather Service says the system could bring heavy rainfall and gusty winds to the region late this weekend.
The exact track and strength of the storm remain subject to change, and residents are encouraged to monitor updated forecasts as the system develops.