Marginal risk for severe storms this evening, with gusty winds remaining
MONDAY: If you have any Christmas decorations outside, you may want to make sure they are anchored down. Winds this afternoon are already gusting to near 40 mph and will continue through the day and into the evening. Despite the cloudy skies that’s expected, temperatures will warm to near 70 degrees through the afternoon. It’s likely we could tie the record of 70 set back in 1933. We’re dry right now, but most of the rain and storms is set to arrive through the evening as a strong cold front pulls through Mid-Missouri. As the cold front rolls through we could see a few strong to severe storms with damaging winds as we are under a marginal risk for severe weather. The line of storms is expected to approach Hwy 65 by 4PM as they storms track to the southeast. Columbia and Jefferson City will see the line of storms from 5-7 PM, with areas near I-44 seeing the storms by 8-9PM. Rainfall accumulations will vary from up to .10″ near to the northwest, with locations approaching .30″ near I-44. Once the front clears we’ll see winds remain breezy, which will usher in colder air.
TONIGHT: Cooler air moves in by tonight after the storms clear mid-Missouri by 10 PM. Skies will gradually clear and winds remain breezy with gusts up to 30 mph. This will allow temperatures drop below freezing with a low of 31 by Tuesday morning.
EXTENDED: It will be seasonal Tuesday into Wednesday, with high temperatures in the low to mid-40s. Gusty winds are still likely through the day Tuesday, making for a very chilly afternoon. With very dry air in place, the recent dry conditions, and breezy winds, we’ll see an increase in wildfire danger. With Mid-Missouri, placed on the westward extent of the upper level trough, we’ll continue to see reinforcing shots of cold air. The northwest flow aloft pattern will continue to pull waves of cold air into the region, with temperatures falling into the 30s for highs by Thursday and overnight lows in the upper 10s and lower 20s. There is a chance we could see some flurries to light snow as we head into Thursday and Friday as a system tracks to our north. By the start of next week temperatures look to moderate back towards seasonal, as highs will top out in the lower 40s. Watch ABC17 news for the latest forecast and follow ABC17 Stormtrack on Twitter for updates.
