Tracking heavy rain, embedded thunderstorms tonight through Thursday

TONIGHT: Mostly cloudy and mild with scattered showers and thunderstorms moving in late. A few storms could bring isolated hail and heavy downpours. Lows in the mid-60s.

TOMORROW: Waves of rain and thunderstorms likely. Highs in the low 70s. A few storms could be strong, bringing isolated hail and up to 50 mph wind gusts before evening. Rain amounts between 1-3".

EXTENDED: Storms will be a bit more sparse to begin with tonight, moving into areas near Highway 65 after about 10-11:00 PM. A few of these overnight storms could be on the stronger side with heavy downpours and isolated hail. Showers and storms become more widespread Wednesday, slowing things down significantly through the morning commute. There could be a few breaks in the action during the day, but expect ongoing showers and storms through Wednesday night into Thursday morning. A few of those storms could also be strong-marginally severe with a strong wind gust or two in addition to some small hail. Overall the severe weather threat is going to be low given the amount of cloud cover and rain around, but we can't rule out the possibility completely. Rain amounts are going to be highest along and south of I-44, where there is currently a Flash Flood Watch in effect for Phelps and Pulaski counties until 10AM Thursday. Areas south of I-44 (south of our viewing area) will get anywhere from 3-4" of rain in 36 hours, while points north will end up with less. I'm expecting locations north of I-70 will see 1-1.5"; between Highway 50 and I-70 will get 1-2", and areas near the Lake of the Ozarks will receive anywhere from 2-3". Rain will clear the area by early Thursday, leaving us with a temperature drop back into the upper 60s. Friday and the weekend look amazing with highs in the 70s and sunshine. Next week starts off above average with low rain chances to start the week.