Tracking showers, storms, and warmer weather lingering into the weekend

TODAY: I'm tracking scattered showers and rumbles of thunder continuing throughout the rest of the afternoon as temperatures gradually warm into the mid to upper 70s and winds blow out of the southeast at 5-10 mph. Coverage in the best chances of precipitation will slowly fall apart as the sun sets.

TONIGHT: I'm tracking slightly drier weather returning, with only isolated showers in the forecast, but clouds at the very least will continue overnight as winds blow out of the southeast at 5-10 mph. These conditions will only allow temperatures to drop into the low 60s by the end of the night.

EXTENDED: I'm tracking a system falling apart as it moves into Missouri Saturday morning that could bring scattered showers and storms to some areas to the west of Columbia during the morning hours. Only isolated showers and storms are expected Saturday afternoon, so most will stay dry as temperatures warm into the low 80s. Another round of slightly more widespread activity can be expected later Saturday evening into Sunday morning before once again decreasing in coverage Sunday afternoon as temperatures warm into the mid-80s. Although there could be some rain to dodge this weekend, there still should be plenty of dry time to enjoy outdoor activities. One final chance of scattered showers and storms arrives Sunday night into Monday morning before drying up Monday afternoon, leading to a warmer, sunnier start to the week.