Partly cloudy skies likely to accompany the total solar eclipse

TONIGHT: Scattered storms are possible through 9 PM tonight, as a line of storms that’s tracking through Mid-Missouri will continue to weaken. Once storms clear out, expect partly cloudy skies to stick around. We are looking at the possibility of some patchy fog developing in the river valleys, with lows in the lower 70s.

MONDAY: The much anticipated total solar eclipse is here and it’s likely to be accompanied by partly cloudy skies. How much cloud coverage will greatly depend on the track of a decaying MCS in Iowa. If the track of the MCS is more to the southeast, we’ll likely see morning showers and storms in Mid-Missouri, with increased risk of mostly cloudy skies. A more easterly track, will give us breaks in the clouds through the morning. Temperatures will reach close to 84 at the start of the eclipse and fall into the mid 70s by mid-eclipse, due to the lack of solar insulation. As the eclipse ends, temperatures will rise back into the upper 80s, approaching 90 degrees. Heat indices are likely to top out in the upper 90s through the afternoon hours.

EXTENDED: A Flash Flood Watch will go into effect for Chariton, Pettis, and Saline counties beginning at 10 PM Monday night. This flash flood watch will be accompanied with a risk of severe storms, as areas along and north of I-70 are under a marginal risk for severe weather. The greatest threat with any of the storms will be damaging winds and large hail. There is also an additional threat of flash flooding, as there will be a significant amount of moisture in place across Mid-Missouri. This moisture will likely lead to very heavy rain across the region. Once the rain clears out by Tuesday, we’ll see cooler and drier air filter into the region. The rest of the week features highs near 80s, with overnight lows in the upper 50s. Watch ABC17 News for the latest forecast and follow ABC17 Stormtrack on Twitter for updates.