Windy, with spring-like conditions across Mid-Missouri

THURSDAY: Despite the chilly start to the day, sunshine and breezy winds are warming us into the 50s this afternoon. It will certainly feel like spring through the day, with areas in southwest Mid-Missouri likely climbing into the mid-60s. Winds will be out of the southwest up to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30. With high winds and dry conditions, there is a Red Flag Warning in effect for Benton, Miller, Morgan, Camden, Phelps, Pulaski, and Maries Counties from 11 AM to 6 PM. Outdoor burning is not recommended throughout all of mid-Mo this afternoon.

TONIGHT: Southerly winds up to 15 mph hold on tonight allowing for a warmer night ahead. Overnight lows will only drop towards 40 degrees with mostly clear skies in place.

EXTENDED: Windy conditions will also be present Friday, as our next system begins to take shape. Friday afternoon highs will reach towards 60 again as clouds begin to build into the area. Late Friday evening into Saturday morning, another weak cold front will track through the region and bring a slight chance of rain through the overnight hours into Saturday morning. The greatest chance for rain exists for those in southeastern Mid-Missouri. Most areas will receive less than .25″, but our southeastern counties could see as much as .30″. As the rain comes to an end, we’ll see a return to slightly cooler conditions, with overnight lows back in the 20s, with afternoon highs in the 40s by Sunday. The start of next week looks dry and cooler, accompanied by a warming trend into the middle of the work week. As we head into February, we are tracking another system that will likely bring the return to colder conditions and winter weather. Watch ABC 17 news and check back on our website for the latest updates to your forecast.