Tracking a big temperature drop leading into a winter storm this weekend

TONIGHT: A big warmup has temperatures pushing upper 50's and low 60's this afternoon. A big influx of warmth and moisture will end us warm with a chance for showers late tonight. These are part of a strong system that will pull in cold air early Saturday that will turn showers into a wintry mix and even snow.

SATURDAY: A Weather Alert Day is in effect for New Year's day for potential impacts from a winter storm. Rain will move into our area from the south near sunrise and shift to a wintry mix in far northern Mid-MO as it meets subfreezing temperatures. The mix will spread to areas along and north of I70 by early afternoon with sleet and freezing rain possible. As temperatures continue falling, precipitation switches to snow for the entire area late in the day. Highest snowfall accumulations will impact counties north of I70 where there is potential for as much as 4 inches of snow. Further south, ice becomes the main concern with lesser snow totals, and up to 1/10 inch of ice with locally higher amounts is possible.

EXTENDED: Dangerous cold will arrive late Saturday with overnight lows dipping into the single digits. Wind chills will plummet to below zero so try to remain indoors as much as possible. Travel impacts will be likely all weekend behind our winter storm and highs Sunday will top out in the low 20s. Luckily, a small warmup should bring us back above freezing to kick off the workweek. For more information on the winter storm this weekend, visit our Insider Blog