Quiet Wednesday afternoon, with strong storms possible tonight
WEDNESDAY: Following the storms this morning, things have quieted down across Mid-Missouri. Mostly cloudy skies have built into the region, with temperatures hovering in the mid 70s. Despite the clouds, highs will top out in the upper 70s and lower 80s today. Areas that saw morning rain will likely be the cooler spots through the afternoon hours. In addition to the warm day, it will also be a windy afternoon with winds out of the south up to 20 mph and gusts as high as 25.
TONIGHT: After a warm dry day, storm chances will increase late this evening. Ahead of a boundary, a line of strong to severe storms is expected to develop Kansas and track into Northwestern Missouri into the early evening. While the movement of the storms will be to the northeast, the entire line itself will gradually track to the east into the night and arriving into Mid-Missouri by 10 PM. Areas north and west of I-70 have the best chance to see strong to severe storms overnight with an enhanced risk of severe weather. Most of mid-Missouri is under a slight risk, but close to I-44 in Phelps and Pulaski Counties the threat is downgraded to marginal. Tonight’s storms bring the greatest threat for damaging winds, with large hail possible. High winds in excess of 58 mph with gusty conditions look likely. The highest risk for an isolated tornado or two is just to the northwest of the area, but is not out of the question for us.
EXTENDED: Lingering showers and t-storms will continue Thursday morning through 11 AM and some of these still could be on the strong to severe side for the AM commute. The rain and heavy cloud coverage early in the day tomorrow will limit the severe threat for tomorrow afternoon, however if clouds break through the day sunshine will provide way for more storm initiation. West of Mid-Missouri there could be some clearing skies tomorrow afternoon, which will allow for daytime heating to provide fuel for severe storms. Across northwest portions of mid-Missouri there is a continued enhanced risk, east of HWY 63 shows a slight risk. However, if storms initialize we could see some with damaging winds, large hail, and an isolated tornado. The final round of storms moves out as the cold front pushes to the southeast by Friday morning. As we head into the start of the weekend, we look to remain dry for Saturday with temperatures in the upper 70s and lower 80s. A backdoor cold front brings the return of rain as we head into Sunday. Be sure to stay tuned to ABC 17 News for the latest weather forecast and impacts through the week.
