Tracking crisp air and smokey skies into the weekend

TODAY: Friday is a crisp and mild day, with highs forecast in the upper 70s and dewpoints in the low 60s; some may even see dew points in the 50s for a short time. Skies will be mostly sunny, but likely with some haze. Some wildfire smoke will be in our skies, and possibly near the surface today. Air quality may be reduced at times, so use caution if you are sensitive to particulate matter. Air quality alerts are in effect for the St. Louis metropolitan area, but not for mid-Missouri at this time.

TONIGHT: Skies may remain smokey but mostly clear of clouds tonight. Temperatures fall to the high 50s and low 60s by sunrise.

EXTENDED: Saturday will again be crisp with sunshine and highs in the upper 70s. Wildfire smoke is likely to be present in our skies, with some possible air quality impacts for sensitive groups. Temperatures may just reach 80 on Sunday, with continued mild humidity. We'll track a return to south winds on the west side of the high pressure that has brought us this cool down by Monday. This climbs temperatures into the 80s and dew points into the mid-60s Monday through Wednesday. Daily rain chances are low but present Monday through Wednesday. Heat becomes a part of the weather story again by next weekend.