Area had record heat during early October
After a week of summer-like temperatures in Southern Illinois, Southeast Missouri and Western Kentucky, much cooler weather was in the forecast for the region.
High temperatures were in the 80s and 90s during the period of Oct. 1-7.
The National Weather Service office in Paducah reported on website that the area had experienced “by far the warmest first week of October on record.”
High temperatures in Paducah reached 90 degrees for five straight days. That broke an October record set in 1939 of four straight days when temperatures were in the 90s.
The weather service also noted that the average temperature during the period was 78.9 degrees, which was more typical of the first week of July or August.
Much cooler weather is expected in the area by Thursday, today, and Friday. Highs are expected to be in the 60s, with lows in the 40s.
September Weather
The October heat followed a very warm September in the region.
The weather service reported that temperatures “were well above normal by around 5 degrees for the month.”
Paducah had its third warmest September on record. Cape Girardeau had its fourth warmest September on record.
High temperatures were routinely in the 90s during the first 21 days of the month.
In terms of precipitation, “the vast majority of the region finished wetter than normal” during September, the weather service reported.
Amounts of 5 to 10-plus inches were common for the month, which was some 2 to 6-plus inches above normal.
“September is usually one of our driest months of the year too,” the weather service noted.
September Records
The weather service reported the following records for September in Paducah and Cape Girardeau:
Paducah
Record daily rainfall of 2.53 inches, set on Sept. 8.
Record high temperature of 97 degrees, set on Sept. 20.
Third warmest September on record, behind 1939 and 1941.
Eighth wettest September, wettest since 2006.
Cape Girardeau
Record daily rainfall of 1.31 inches, set on Sept. 7.
Record daily rainfall of 1.74 inches, set on Sept. 8.
Record cold high temperature of 68, set on Sept. 9.
Record high temperature of 91, tied on Sept. 16.
Record high temperature of 92, tied on Sept. 17.
Record high temperature of 94, set on Sept. 18.
Record high temperature of 94, set on Sept. 20.
Fourth warmest September, behind 1998, 1986 and 1970.
Ninth wettest September, wettest since 2012.
Local Weather
The Union County area was warm and dry during the period of Oct. 2-8.
High temperatures were in the 80s. No rainfall was recorded.
Following are temperatures for the period as recorded by official weather observer Dana Cross in Jonesboro:
H L
Tuesday, Oct. 2 87 65
Wednesday, Oct. 3 89 66
Thursday, Oct. 4 86 69
Friday, Oct. 5 89 65
Saturday, Oct. 6 89 68
Sunday, Oct. 7 89 65
Monday, Oct. 8 88 65