Tracking a quiet and spring-like end to the week

TODAY: Wednesday is a cooler day, with temperatures in the 50s falling into the 40s during the afternoon. Scattered showers and clouds linger through the morning, clearing late in the afternoon. Winds are from the north around 10-15 mph.

TONIGHT: Skies clear just in time for a sunset for some, and remain clear overnight. Light north winds remain until sunrise, when high pressure brings calmer conditions.

EXTENDED: Temperatures start Thursday near freezing, but south winds return to lift highs into the 50s by the afternoon. Winds will be breezy if not gusty at times in the west. Generally 15-20 mph winds are expected, but gusts to 30 mph are possible near Saline and Chariton counties. Thursday is sunny, and most of Friday is as well. Friday's highs reach 60s, but we're nearing 70 on Saturday under partly cloudy skies. Showers may transition to snow for a short amount of time Sunday evening, leading to cooler air to start next week. No meaningful snow accumulation is forecast, but highs are forecast in the 30s on Monday.