The National Weather Service in Paducah says the average temperature there for December is going to end up being around 48.8 degrees, shattering the previous average low of 45.4 degrees, set in 1971.
The next four coldest Decembers on record for Paducah are within a degree of each other.
NWS meteorologist Robin Smith says the unseasonably high temperatures are a result of El Niño.
“The trend is for a warmer winter, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that is what’s going to happen," Smith said. "The temperatures can actually turn cold on us during January and February.”
Meanwhile, Smith said it’s too early to tell if recent heavy rain will affect planting conditions next spring. The NWS is currently forecasting the Ohio River to crest at around 48-49 feet in Paducah next Tuesday, January 5. The city’s floodgates are being installed.
