Spring warmth returns with the chance of severe storms
WEDNESDAY: Southwest winds will be gusty to 35 mph Wednesday, warming temperatures into the mid 70s under mostly sunny skies. There is a heightened fire danger for areas along and south of I-70, specifically Camden and Pulaski Counties where we see a Red Flag Warning in effect from 1 PM – 7 PM today. Outdoor burning is strongly discouraged as outdoor fires will spread quickly when these conditions are present.
TONIGHT: Clouds will pass through tonight with breezy southerly winds up to 18 mph. Southerly flow will help temperatures remain in the mid 50s through morning.
EXTENDED: The warming continues into Thursday as we reach the upper 70s to near 80, making for a warm afternoon as winds continue to be gusty and from the southwest. Another cold front approaches on Friday bringing clouds and a chance for rain & t-storms. Showers are possible Friday morning but a line of showers and t-storms is more likely later in the day as the cold front gets closer. With an organized line of strong storms possible, we could see damaging winds, large hail, and an isolated tornado. There is a marginal and slight risk to see severe storms develop as this line organizes. Convection looks more likely to the southwest closer to the Ozarks. This is something we are going to continue to track as we head into Friday afternoon and evening. Much cooler air moves in next weekend with highs in the low to mid 50s Saturday and low to mid 40s Sunday. Nights will drop back to near freezing. We’re also watching for light precipitation Sunday which could start as a rain/ snow mix. Stay tuned to ABC 17 for the latest forecast and updates.
