Weather Alert Day: Dangerous heat remains possible despite late-week storm chances

ABC 17 Stormtrack Weather Alert Days have been issued through Saturday for a dangerous heat wave that has and will continue to drive heat indexes into the triple digits.

An Extreme Heat Warning is in place where confidence is highest in heat indexes between 105 and 110 degrees through Thursday. Both the Extreme Heat Warnings and Heat Advisories extend through Friday south of HWY 50.

High pressure over the Desert Southwest has expanded into the Midwest over the weekend, pushing rain chances north of Mid-Missouri. Temperatures and humidity are forecast to rise as winds return from the southwest.

The heat index will soar to between 105-110 Thursday and Friday. Slight rain and thunderstorm chances will exist, but no meaningful relief is expected.

This comes as a stationary surface boundary is planted at the northern edge of the heat dome. Upper-level disturbances will come in waves and drive daily storm chances along the front. The position of the front has kept these storm chances north of us for the most part, but they return Thursday and Friday.

Isolated to scattered storms are possible Friday through Saturday and may present a risk of severe weather, but this is expected in the north near the front. While our severe threat is low, our heat and humidity remain in the forecast. The main threat with any storm will be the potential for damaging winds. Sunday's storm chance may also bring a minor threat of gusty winds.

Heat is very likely to continue on Saturday, but as the front is forecast to lift north, so is the most concentrated humidity. Additionally, better southwest flow from our low-level jet stream will help promote better venting of dew points away from the surface. Dew points may fall to the 60s on Saturday, raising questions of just how hot we'll feel. Saturday is still an ABC17 Stormtrack Weather Alert Day. A cold front moves in on Sunday, bringing rain and clouds that may keep extreme heat at bay.

Rain chances are low, as confidence is high in dry and hot conditions through Saturday.

Take care during this heat wave by reducing strenuous outdoor activities, staying in the AC as much as possible, and drinking lots of water. Get your plans done in the early morning or late evening, and keep kids and pets off hot surfaces.