Another round of storms possible late tonight, Summer returns for the weekend

THIS AFTERNOON: Much of Mid-Missouri is drying out this afternoon after a round of overnight thunderstorms. Places along HWY 54 near the Lake of the Ozarks and points eastward are continuing to see wet conditions this afternoon. If you, or anyone you know is planning an afternoon at The Lake, be advised that there’s likely going to be some more rounds of heavy rain accompanied with the potential for lightning and thunder over the next several hours. The rest of Mid-Missouri looks to be dry into this evening. Expect breezy conditions as well, with gusts up to 25 mph. Highs top out in the mid-to-upper 80s.

TONIGHT: Partly cloudy skies will remain this evening and we see a better chance of scattered storms north of I-70 after midnight tonight. Some could be on the strong side, with heavy downpours and lightning, and the threat for damaging winds and large hail. Temperatures hold on to the low 70s with winds out of the south up to 10 mph.

EXTENDED: Lingering showers are expected into Saturday morning along I-44, but we will see drying conditions through the early part of the day. Beyond that expect the return to summer, as much warmer air moves in behind the front. The weekend looks hot with highs in the low 90s Saturday and mid 90s Sunday under partly cloudy skies. It will also be humid this weekend and heat indices will reach as high as 103 degrees. The heat & dry weather continues through the middle of next week. By Wednesday the upper level ridge looks to break down, which will open the door for a cold front to try to track through. This will bring the return to isolated showers and storms with cooler weather. Watch ABC 17 for the latest forecast and check back here for updates.