Tracking rain and clouds that bring temporary heat relief

TODAY: Friday brings greater rain chances which will keep us cooler than days past, especially in the north. Early Friday morning, we have rain on radar that has brought flash flood warnings to our northern counties. We'll have a flood threat until rain winds down in the late morning hours. Temperatures are likely to be capped in the 80s north of I-70, with Columbia just on the verge of 90s. Jefferson City will likely be a few degrees warmer, in the low-to-mid 90s. Temperatures will increase sharply over a short distance, as those who see more sun and less rain will be well warmer, akin to yesterday. Heat index values will reach 99-102 among the warmest spots, with many in the north feeling well cooler.

TONIGHT: Isolated to scattered storms will develop again around the dinner hour. Exact timing will depend on whether or not we're able to pop storms in the heat of the day. In any case, an increase in low level winds closer to sunset will trigger showers and storms. An isolated strong storm may be capable of severe winds, but this is unlikely. Again, this will be similar to Thursday.

EXTENDED: The low level winds that ramp up Friday night will slowly take this activity north, and eventually away from mid-Missouri. However, one more day of at least spotty rain chances comes Saturday with chances in the morning and again in the evening. Most of Saturday is dry and warm. Heat indices are again above 100, but likely just shy of 105. Sunday is the next day without rain chance, and that comes with more heat. Under mostly sunny skies, we expect a greater chance of low 90 temperatures and also a near 105 heat index. This becomes more likely on Monday and Tuesday. Sunday through Tuesday are ABC17 Stormtrack Weather Alert Days, and you can read more about the heat wave in our online blog.