Tracking warm, breezy afternoons before much needed rain

TONIGHT: I'm tracking clouds becoming slightly more widespread overnight with winds out of the southeast at 10-15 mph. Temperatures will drop into the low 50s by the end of the night.

TOMORROW: I'm tracking a much warmer afternoon as strong southerly winds at 10-18 mph with gusts up to 30 mph help Missouri warm into the low 80s. Southerly winds will get even stronger by the evening, sustained at 18-20 mph and gusts at 30-35 mph.

EXTENDED: I'm tracking strong southerly winds continuing both Tuesday and Wednesday at 15-20 mph with gusts at 30-40 mph. This combined with the drought will lead to an increased risk in the rapid spread of fire during this time period, and will also help keep afternoon temperatures in the low 80s. Relief arrives Wednesday night as a cold front passes through central Missouri and brings widespread rainfall. By Thursday morning, rainfall totals will be around 1" for almost all the forecast area, and temperatures will only warm up into the low 60s by Thursday afternoon.