Tracking hazy skies with Friday scattered rain chances

TODAY: Despite some wildfire smoke in our skies, we'll have mostly sunny skies Wednesday. Temperatures are reaching into the upper 80s this afternoon.

TONIGHT: Skies remain mostly clear, but by sunrise Thursday, high clouds from Francine will be stretching into the region.

EXTENDED: Starting mild, in the 60s, it will also likely be bright with clouds overhead expected to be high and thin. These will thicken through the day, potentially leading to rainfall near I-44 by the overnight hours. Some potential for widespread meaningful rain exists on Friday, but from the looks of Francine's path in model guidance, it continues to track that threat east. We are expecting a more targeted window of rainfall amounting to more than a quarter inch in our far eastern counties, with minimal amounts west of that window. Either way, no one sees a washout with best rainfall missing us east. Columbia and Jefferson City have low chances for rain on Friday as the focus remains south and east, but clouds are likely to keep them cooler in either situation, in the 70s. Currently, it is looking like even those from Montgomery City to Rolla would be lucky to pick up more than a half inch. Looking to the weekend, Saturday is most likely dry, but some shortwaves may bring a chance for rain by the end of the weekend and early next week, however individual chances are too low to pin down for now.