Tracking near record warmth and a chance for thunderstorms

TODAY: Wednesday is considerably warmer, as we make a return to 80°+ this afternoon under mostly sunny skies. Winds are southerly around 15-20 mph, gusting to 25 mph this afternoon.

TONIGHT: Temperatures fall into the 70s after sunset, and remain warm overnight. Lows only reach the low 60s by sunrise Thursday.

EXTENDED: Thursday is another warm day, with highs reaching nearly 90° amid a stout southwest wind of 20-25 mph with gusts to 35+ mph. A cold front returns from the north on Thursday night. Along and behind the front, thunderstorms will develop, but likely after 10 p.m. for most in mid-Missouri. Severe weather is unlikely, with a stout capping inversion likely keeping storms at bay until the front passes. Cooler air returns behind the front. Friday's highs are forecast in the 50s, and lows in the 30s are likely by Saturday morning. The weekend looks mild and quiet, in the 60s during the afternoons. More warmth and thunderstorm chances return Monday and Tuesday.