Tracking scattered strong storms tonight, cooler Friday

TONIGHT: Mostly cloudy with scattered strong storms. Damaging winds will be the main concern. Lows falling to the upper 50s as the cold front passes to the east.

TOMORROW: Mostly sunny and comfortable with highs in the lower 80s.

EXTENDED: Storms are moving in from the west and will bring the threat for severe storms from west to east/southeast through this evening along a cold front that is moving in from the northwest. I expect severe weather to exit our viewing area along the corridor of I-44 after 9:00 p.m. That would put storms in Columbia and Jefferson City between 5:00-7:00 p.m. The flooding threat looks to remain to our north across far northern Missouri. Tomorrow looks excellent as high pressure briefly dives in. We could start the morning with some patchy fog as temperatures cool and dew points drop, but otherwise it's a beautiful day as highs reach the lower 80s with much lower humidity. Winds shift again on Saturday ahead of a low pressure system that will bring potential rounds of storms on Saturday. It's still somewhat unclear where each round will end up and how it will affect the next, but ingredients will be in place for at least some severe potential between afternoon and evening. Given the environment, the main concerns look to be 60 mph and 1" hail with storms on Saturday afternoon/evening. The Storm Prediction Center has Mid-Missouri in a level 2/5 severe risk, and a Weather Alert Day will be in effect. Sunday is looking cooler and comfortable with highs in the mid-70s. We'll continue to remain below average through the middle of next week before more seasonable temperatures return along with rain chances.