Tracking cool mornings and warm afternoons through a bright and sunny end of week

TODAY: We're expecting increasing sunshine after a few instances of fog and low clouds this morning. Mostly sunny skies and north winds keep us nestled in the 70s this afternoon.

TONIGHT: Clear skies drop us into the low 50s overnight, it may be chilly late in the evening.

EXTENDED: After a jacket-worthy start on Friday morning, we'll be enjoying a warm and dry afternoon with highs expected near 80. Saturday through next Wednesday, the forecast is very straightforward, as an upper level ridge of high pressure builds across the region. This has us expecting warm and dry conditions over the long term. Daily sunny skies with highs in the 80s and lows in the 50s/60s are expected each day. Specifically, Saturday morning starts cool in the 50s. This has us chilly on the way to the Homecoming parade in Columbia, but toasty by the tailgate hour. Temperatures are warm at kickoff, but falling into the 70s through the first half at Faurot.