Tracking a big warmup with low fire danger

TODAY: Sunshine and winds increasing out of the south will pose a slight fire risk across Missouri with humidity dropping lower than 30% this afternoon. This setup will also push high temperatures up to the low 70s.

TOMORROW: Monday remains warm and breezy with temperatures climbing several more degrees. There's a chance to reach or exceed record temperatures; Columbia's record high is 77 degrees set back in 1996.

EXTENDED: On Tuesday we'll be 30+ degrees above average reaching high 70s and potentially low 80s. The record high on February 27th in Columbia is 75 degrees set in 1976. Tuesday evening into Wednesday morning a strong cold front is expected to move through Missouri and bring us back to reality for a short period of time. Rain and the chance for strong thunderstorms will be associated with this front. The best chance for stronger thunderstorms has been expected to land in our southeastern counties for several days now. This could still shift as the system gets closer so remain aware of changes to the forecast.