Falling temperatures to bring brief return to winter weather overnight
TUESDAY: A cold front draped across Mid-Missouri has slowly been advancing to the west. This is bringing a return to winter conditions, with freezing rain likely holding off for several more hours. This afternoon an umbrella will be needed, as widespread rainfall continues to move through the region. The steady rain is beneficial to Mid-Missouri, as a dry ground is soaking up what is falling. Through the day, temperatures will continue to fall to near freezing, but the freezing rain will take some time tracking into the region. The past several days have been warm for Mid-Missouri, which will limit the amount of freezing rain we see. Areas that do see the temperatures fall below the freezing mark, will likely only see cold rain until we head into the evening. After 5-6 PM is the best shot for when we’ll start to see freezing rain occur. Outside of that, rainfall accumulations will be anywhere from 1-2 inches, with higher amounts south of I-70.
TONIGHT: The colder air mass filtering into mid-Missouri this evening will run into rain allowing a brief change over to freezing rain as temperatures drop below freezing. A glaze of ice is possible along and south of I-70, with .05-.10″ near I-44. The biggest impact areas will be mainly on elevated surfaces such as bridges and overpasses by early Wednesday morning, with slick roads possible where ground temperatures are able to cool off.
EXTENDED: Wednesday will be cold with high temperatures only reaching the low to mid 30s, but it will be dry with clouds hanging around. Winds will shift ot the south and warmer air will start to move in early Thursday. There is another chance of a wintry mix late Wednesday into Thursday morning as moisture advects back into the area from the south, as temperatures begin to hover around freezing. Luckily, afternoon temperatures rise back above freezing as they reach the low to mid 40s with rain likely again in the evening and overnight. The rain continues on and off through Friday as temperatures climb into the lower 50s. With all the rain, there are some flooding concerns this week, especially where we see the heaviest rainfalls set up to the southeast. The beneficial rain could total as much as 5 inches by the start of next week, which would significantly help the drought. Make sure to watch ABC 17 News for the newest forecast and check back here for updates.
