Hot temperatures, storm chances Thursday

Thursday will yet again be another hot day, with temperatures about 10 degrees above average in the mid-90s. Heat indices will reach the mid-upper 90s by late afternoon, and muggy conditions continue into the evening.

A steady south wind continues to pull warm, moist air into the region, adding to the instability we’re seeing from daytime heating.

A cold front will push in tonight, bringing a line of showers and thunderstorms to far northwestern Mid-Missouri as early as 7-8 PM.

Some of those storms could bring damaging winds and hail, but the best risk for a tornado will be northwest of our viewing area where there is more wind shear to support rotation.

Areas north of I-70 have a chance of seeing some isolated strong storms, with a better chance in our northwestern counties including Chariton, Randolph, Saline, and Macon through the evening and overnight hours.

Stay with ABC 17 Stormtrack weather for the latest updates.