National Weather ServiceKentuckyExtreme Heat WarningArchive to October 1, 2026
Extreme Heat Warnings in Kentucky
The National Weather Service issued 6 extreme heat warnings for Kentucky in 2025 and 4 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 25th most of any state. 2026 through September: 11, 179% above the average of 4 for those months in 2008-2025. McCracken was covered most often (26 times since 2008).
How many extreme heat warnings does Kentucky get?
Every extreme heat warning that covered part of Kentucky. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 11 |
| 2025 | 6 |
| 2024 | 1 |
| 2023 | 8 |
| 2022 | 9 |
| 2021 | 0 |
| 2020 | 0 |
| 2019 | 4 |
| 2018 | 5 |
| 2017 | 1 |
| 2016 | 1 |
| 2015 | 1 |
| 2014 | 0 |
| 2013 | 0 |
| 2012 | 12 |
| 2011 | 12 |
| 2010 | 11 |
| 2009 | 0 |
| 2008 | 0 |
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
When in the year does Kentucky get them?
Sum of 2008-2025; the busiest month is labelled.
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
Where in Kentucky?
| County or forecast zone | Since 2008 | Since 2023 | Last issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| McCracken | 26 | 10 | September 1, 2026 |
| Hickman | 26 | 10 | September 1, 2026 |
| Fulton | 26 | 10 | September 1, 2026 |
| Carlisle | 26 | 10 | September 1, 2026 |
| Ballard | 26 | 10 | September 1, 2026 |
| Graves | 25 | 10 | September 1, 2026 |
| Marshall | 24 | 10 | September 1, 2026 |
| Calloway | 24 | 10 | September 1, 2026 |
| Union | 22 | 8 | September 1, 2026 |
| Livingston | 22 | 8 | September 1, 2026 |
| Christian | 22 | 9 | September 1, 2026 |
| Caldwell | 22 | 9 | September 1, 2026 |
The NWS issues these products for counties or forecast zones; a zone can be part of a county or a mountain range.
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
The latest extreme heat warnings for Kentucky in AreaZine's record
NWS PaducahWarningSeptember 1, 2026
Extreme Heat Warning: Jefferson, Wayne, Edwards and 55 more, IL and IN
Expired 8:00 p.m. CDT, September 5, 2026
NWS PaducahWarningAugust 14, 2026
Extreme Heat Warning: Jefferson, Wayne, Edwards and 55 more, IL and IN
Expired 8:00 p.m. CDT, August 16, 2026
NWS PaducahWarningJuly 27, 2026
Extreme Heat Warning: Caldwell and Christian, KY
Expired 7:00 p.m. CDT, July 28, 2026
NWS PaducahWarningJuly 26, 2026
Extreme Heat Warning: Wayne, Hamilton, Saline and 4 more, IL and KY
Expired 7:00 p.m. CDT, July 28, 2026
NWS PaducahWarningJuly 20, 2026
Extreme Heat Warning: Jefferson, Perry, Franklin and 42 more, IL and KY
Expired 7:00 p.m. CDT, July 21, 2026
NWS JacksonWarningJuly 4, 2026
Extreme Heat Warning: Knox, Bell, Harlan and 16 more, KY
Expired 9:00 p.m. EDT, July 4, 2026
NWS JacksonWarningJuly 3, 2026
Extreme Heat Warning: Fleming, Montgomery, Bath and 11 more, KY
Expired 8:00 p.m. EDT, July 3, 2026
NWS CharlestonWarningJuly 3, 2026
Extreme Heat Warning: Greenup, Carter, Boyd and 33 more, KY and OH
Expired 8:00 p.m. EDT, July 4, 2026
This list is AreaZine's record of the NWS alert feed, kept since April 6, 2026; the counts above come from the complete IEM archive.
Source: National Weather Service alerts (api.weather.gov).
What is an extreme heat warning?
An extreme heat warning means dangerous heat is expected, measured by heat index or temperature thresholds each office sets. It replaced the excessive heat warning in 2025. A warning means the hazard is happening, about to happen, or very likely: act now to protect people and property. AreaZine's counts include the excessive heat warnings issued before the change. The national record · Every warning type in Kentucky.