by Steve Dunford

Severe weather threat for Thursday/Thursday Night: A cold front will move south toward the area on Thursday and move south of the area by Friday. This front will provide a focus for showers and thunderstorms on Thursday into Thursday night. Some of these storms may bring damaging winds. (NWS, Paducah KY)

The heat advisory that was issued yesterday afternoon has been scaled down to the counties along and west of the I -57 corridor.  (Jefferson, Franklin, Williamson counties are included and points westward.)

Today will be a repeat of the days like we had all last week.  After a stormy day tomorrow, we have a pleasant and an outstanding weekend on tap, with highs in the lower 80’s.

For tomorrow afternoon into tomorrow evening, I will be keeping a close eye on the radar.  My main focus will be Franklin County, but warnings will be passed along from the bordering counties as well.  During a severe weather event, I will post things on the Facebook page only.

Below is the latest statement on the Heat Advisory, then the Hazardous Weather Outlook, and the end is an awesome seven day forecast.

URGENT – WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Paducah KY

…Hazardous heat indices expected today…

.A southwest wind flow of hot and very humid air will occur across
the area today.

…HEAT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM NOON TODAY TO 8 PM CDT
THIS EVENING…

* TEMPERATURE…High temperatures will be mostly in the mid 90s.
The peak heat index in the afternoon will generally be around
105 degrees.

* IMPACTS…Persons who work or spend time outdoors will be at a
potential risk for heat-related illness. Heat exhaustion or
heat stroke may occur if precautions are not taken. The very
young, the elderly, and those without air conditioning are
especially susceptible to heat related health problems.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

A Heat Advisory means that a period of hot temperatures is
expected. The combination of hot temperatures and high humidity
will combine to create a situation in which heat illnesses are
possible. Drink plenty of fluids…stay in an air-conditioned
room…stay out of the sun…and check up on relatives and
neighbors.

To reduce risk during outdoor work…the occupational safety and
health administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks
in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by
heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke
is an emergency…call 9 1 1.

Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Paducah KY
310 AM CDT Wed Jul 26 2017

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of southern
Illinois, southwest Indiana, western Kentucky, and southeast
Missouri.

.DAY ONE…Today and Tonight

Heat Advisory today west of a line from Mount Vernon, Illinois to
Paducah, Kentucky.

There is a slight chance of thunderstorms today, best chances east
of the Mississippi River. Tonight, the small chance of storms
shifts north toward the Interstate 64 corridor, extending as far
south as perhaps Route 13 in southern Illinois, east to about
Owensboro, Kentucky.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN…Thursday through Tuesday

For the entire four state area, a few strong to severe
thunderstorms cannot be ruled out Thursday afternoon and night.
Damaging wind gusts will be the main hazard. Locally heavy rain is
possible as well.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT…

Spotter activation may be requested Thursday afternoon and night.

Detailed Forecast

Press Release from the St. Louis Cardinals

MLB Network Tuesday Night Showcase National Broadcast

Gates open at 5:45 p.m.
Ozzie Smith Budweiser Bash Theme Night: Fans who purchase this special Bud Bash theme ticket receive a voucher for a limited edition Ozzie Smith mini bobblehead as we celebrate the 30th anniversary of the 1987 National League Championship team. VIP ticket-holders will also have access to a pregame autograph session with The Wizard. Fans must present the voucher in order to receive this promotional item. For more info, or to purchase general tickets, visit cardinals.com/theme (#BudBash)(#CardsTheme).

Christmas in July Theme Night: Whether you’ve been naughty or nice, the Cardinals invite all fans to join them for Christmas in July at Busch Stadium. Fans who purchase the special theme ticket will receive an exclusive Cardinals Nutcracker. Santa Fredbird and characters from the Historic St. Charles Christmas Traditions Festival will be on hand for photos in Riverview Corner before the game. Fans must present the voucher in order to receive this promotional item. For more information, visit cardinals.com/christmas (#CardsTheme).

Wainwright’s Winners: Adam Wainwright will host a group from Basket of Hope for tonight’s game as part of his Wainwright’s Winners player ticket program. Prior to the game, the group will get to watch batting practice from the field and meet with Adam in the dugout to take pictures and ask questions.

Pregame Poms/Cheer/Dance Performances: Prior to the game, groups from Code Red Dance, Granite City High School Cheer and Natural All Stars Impact Cheer will perform in the Ford Plaza beginning around 5:45 p.m.

Cardinals Care Stadium Auction: Fans have the unique opportunity to bid on exclusive autographed Cardinals memorabilia at the game. The auction is a great way for fans and collectors to obtain specialty Cardinals items while helping support the programs that Cardinals Care provides to youth in the community. Auction tables will be located by Gate 1 (Section 137), Gate 3, inside the Cardinals Club, UMB Champions Club and Redbird Club.

URGENT – WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Paducah KY
1201 PM CDT Sun Jul 23 2017

The National Weather Service in Paducah has cancelled the
Excessive Heat Warning.

The Excessive Heat Warning has been cancelled for areas along and
north of a line from Cape Girardeau Missouri to Paducah and
Madisonville Kentucky. Thunderstorms early this morning brought
lower temperatures and humidity. Peak heat indices this afternoon
are forecast to be mainly 100 degrees or lower.

Detailed Forecast

by Steve Dunford

A Pinckneyville area man, Kenneth Mohr, left his home around 1 p,m., and no one has heard from him since.  Family members report that he was not in the right frame of mind.

He is driving a white four door Chevy Sliverado, with 64 MOHR on the plates.  If he is found, please contact the Perry County Sheriff’s office at (618) 357-5212, or your local law enforcement agency.

Please keep Mr. Mohr and his family in your prayers.

The National Weather Service in Paducah has issued an Excessive
Heat Watch, which is in effect from Wednesday afternoon through
Sunday evening for all of southeast Missouri, southern Illinois,
southwest Indiana and western Kentucky.

* TIMING…Wednesday afternoon through Sunday evening.

* HEAT INDEX VALUES…peaking around 105 degrees each afternoon.

* IMPACTS…The combination of hot temperatures and high humidity
will lead to an increased risk of heat related stress and
illness. The very young, the elderly, those without air
conditioning, and those participating in strenuous outdoor
activities will be the most susceptible. Also, car interiors
will reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

An Excessive Heat Watch means that a prolonged period of hot
temperatures is expected. The combination of hot temperatures and
high humidity will combine to create a dangerous situation in
which heat illnesses are possible. Drink plenty of fluids, stay
in an air conditioned room, stay out of the sun ,and check up on
relatives and neighbors.

BULLETIN – EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
Flash Flood Warning
National Weather Service Paducah KY
905 PM CDT THU JUL 13 2017

The National Weather Service in Paducah has issued a

* Flash Flood Warning for…
White County in southeastern Illinois…
Hamilton County in south central Illinois…

* Until 1100 PM CDT

* At 903 PM CDT, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing
heavy rain across the warned area. As much as 1.5 to 3 inches of
rain has already fallen within the past hour. Flash flooding is
expected to begin shortly.

* Some locations that will experience flooding include…
Carmi, McLeansboro, Grayville, Norris City, Crossville, Enfield,
Dahlgren, Mill Shoals, Broughton, Maunie, Springerton, Macedonia,
Belle Prairie City, Burnt Prairie and Phillipstown.

Additional rainfall amounts of up to an inch are possible in the
warned area.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

Turn around, don`t drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood
deaths occur in vehicles. Be especially cautious at night when it is
harder to recognize the dangers of flooding.

A Flash Flood Warning means that flooding is imminent or occurring.
If you are in the warned area move to higher ground immediately.
Residents living along streams and creeks should take immediate
precautions to protect life and property.

…SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR WHITE…NORTHERN SALINE…
SOUTHERN HAMILTON…NORTHERN GALLATIN AND WESTERN POSEY COUNTIES
UNTIL 845 PM CDT…

Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with these storms.
Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe
shelter inside a building or vehicle.

Special Weather Statement from the National Weather Service – Paducah, KY

Increasing humidity near 50 percent, combined with temperatures in
the lower to middle 90s, will produce heat index values between
100 and 103 degrees Wednesday and Thursday afternoon.

For those persons that must work outdoors, be sure to keep
hydrated with water and take frequent breaks in the shade or an
air-conditioned shelter. This will help lessen the impact on your
health during prolonged exposure to the heat.

Keep a close eye on children, persons with serious health
conditions, and pets. They can be especially susceptible to the
summer heat.

Never leave a child or pet in a car unattended and with the
windows closed without air-conditioning, this can be deadly for
them in a very short time.

Although rain chances and more cloud cover is expected to return
on Thursday, heat index values will once again rise to around 100
degrees outside rain areas.

Some relief from the heat is expected on Friday, with temperatures
expected to drop back into the 80s with a chance of rain.

The National Weather Service in Paducah has issued a

* Urban and Small Stream Flood Advisory for…
Franklin County in south central Illinois…

* Until 1130 AM CDT

* At 929 AM CDT, trained weather spotters reported heavy rain
causing urban and small stream flooding in West Frankfort. Route
149 in the Heights area has 6 inches of water in both lanes. More
heavy rain is expected, so this minor flooding will only get worse.

* Some locations that will experience flooding include…
West Frankfort, Benton, Christopher, Rend Lake Area, Sesser,
Zeigler, Royalton, Valier, West City, Thompsonville, North City,
Buckner, Orient, Hanaford, Ewing, Freeman Spur and Macedonia.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

Turn around, don`t drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood
deaths occur in vehicles.