A break from the cool weather doesn’t last long

TODAY: Ahead of a cold front, we will see breezy conditions out of the southeast, allowing temperatures to warm into the upper 70s under sunny skies. Winds will once again pick up speed through the afternoon hours, with winds up to 15 mph and gusting at times up to 29. Through the afternoon hours we’ll see that cold front sweep through Mid-Missouri, which will be the leading edge of the coldest air of the season.

TONIGHT: Behind the front, winds will shift out of the northwest making for a cooler night as skies remain partly cloudy. Overnight lows will drop back into the mid to upper 30s. Wind chill values by the morning will approach the upper 20s with northwest wind up to 16 mph.

EXTENDED: There is a small chance for light rain showers along the I-44 corridor by Friday morning as the front pushes to the southeast, but it looks to be a dry frontal passage with the lack of moisture in the environment. The coldest air of the season will slowly track into Mid-Missouri through the day Friday, with highs struggling to climb out of the lower 40s. The first freeze of the season is expected both Friday and Saturday night as temperatures drop to near 30 with some upper 20s possible. A freeze watch is in effect for Benton, Morgan, Miller, Maries, Camden, Pulaski, Pettis, and Phelps Counties Friday night into Saturday morning as overnight lows drop towards the 20s. With the first freeze upon us, it’s important to make sure you and your home are prepared. It looks to be a dry and unseasonably cool weekend as daytime highs only rise into the mid 40s both Saturday and Sunday. By the start of next work week we will see temperatures rebound back into the 50s with overnight lows staying in the upper 30s. Watch ABC17 News for the latest forecast and follow ABC17 Stormtrack on Twitter for updates.