Tracking strong storms tonight
TODAY: Partly cloudy skies early this morning will lead to mostly cloudy skies by late morning. This is ahead of shower and thunderstorm chances this afternoon. Temperatures climb into the low 60s this afternoon.
TONIGHT: After this initial round of rain, a second will push in during the late evening along a cold front. There won't be much distinction between the two rounds for many, especially if you're north of I-70. There, ongoing showers will likely just develop a few rumbles of thunder into the evening hours. However, south of I-70, especially close to the Lake of the Ozarks, there will be a better distinction. A brief break in the rain is more likely around 7 p.m., with a round of stronger storms pushing in along the cold front around 9-10 p.m. This is when and where the main risk for severe weather lies tonight. Storms near the lake will pose the greatest risk for strong to damaging winds. Hail and tornadoes cannot be ruled out with these, but are looking increasingly unlikely. A minimal severe threat will extend from this area to the east, through the Rolla/I-44 area.
EXTENDED: Rain will linger into the early hours Tuesday for some in the east, but we are dry by sunrise, with cloud cover slow to leave. Expect a cool and cloudy day, with highs again in the low 60s. Wednesday starts dry and pleasant, with warm air starting to work back in from the south. This will also bring in more moisture that will contribute to chances for showers and storms Wednesday evening through Thursday. Friday will see the return of mostly dry conditions. We stay in the 60s through this period, with a big warm up expected to boost us into the 70s this weekend.
