Tracking severe storms Friday before a calmer weekend

TODAY: Friday is a Weather Alert Day for the threat of severe storms bringing multiple hazards to Mid-MO. For a detailed write-up on this system, click here to read our Weather Alert Day Blog. We'll climb into the 70s through the early afternoon and with this warmth comes thunderstorms chances. Spotty showers and storms will likely arrive west of HWY 65 just before noon. It is from here to the east that these storms are expected to be severe. Storms could produce winds in excess of 70 mph along with 2"+ hail and tornadoes.

TONIGHT: The severe risk ends by sundown as temperatures steadily fall behind a cold front. Expect lows overnight in the 30s, but largely above freezing. Non-thunderstorm winds will still be gusty through Saturday morning, meaning that temperatures will likely feel more like the low 20s.

EXTENDED: Saturday starts frigid, but rebounds into the mid-50s with some sunshine. Expect sunshine and south winds to warm us into the 70s on Sunday. This warmth sticks with us into Monday, where some showers and storms are possible through what is otherwise a mostly dry day. A better chance for rain returns overnight into Tuesday. There are strong signals for another round of severe weather on Tuesday, but details are still a bit fuzzy. Temperatures are starting to look warm on Tuesday, with a high possibility of 80s by the afternoon. This is one sign that we may be in for another active day. Behind Tuesday's system, we'll trend drier and cooler through Thursday.