Storms to kick off Saturday morning, with gusty winds through the afternoon

SATURDAY: Widespread rain and thunderstorms are likely for the first half of the day Saturday as a strong storm system tracks through the region. Southerly winds will boost temperatures up into the 50s to low 60s Saturday. This will also generate widespread strong winds from the west in the afternoon, behind the cold front with sustained winds at 20-30 mph, gusting as high as 50 mph. This could cause minor damage along with scattered power outages. The Stormtrack Weather Team has issued a Weather Alert Day for Saturday for the strong wind and the potential of severe storms. The severe storm threat looks limited however, with the better chance further south in the viewing area, closer toward I-44. Most of mid-Missouri is under a marginal severe threat, with the chance of damaging winds in excess of 60 mph and large hail. An isolated tornado is also possible in the southern portion of our state with low level shear present. Storms move out by mid-afternoon and although the winds will continue to be strong, we will be dry through the evening as cooler, drier air moves in.

TONIGHT: Clouds stick around tonight as well as the wind. Breezy winds out of the west will continue through the night, but begin to settle by morning. The Wind Advisory will expire at midnight, but winds will still range up to 17 mph sustained, with gusts close to 30. Overnight lows fall just below freezing.

EXTENDED: Skies clear through Sunday with another cool start to the day. High temperatures are kicked back in the 40s. Winds will be lighter and from the northwest up to 12 mph. It stays quiet with highs in the upper 40s Monday but another chance of rain moves in Tuesday as the unsettled pattern continues. Check back with ABC 17 News on-air and online for the latest forecast on this weekend’s active weather. Sign up for email news alerts by clicking here