Tracking afternoon sunshine before mid-week rain

TODAY: Sunshine returns for yet another day in what has been a pretty stagnant pattern. Wind direction will generally remain out of the east at speeds of about 5 to 10 mph. Yesterday's high was near 80 degrees for many, and with a similar setup, expect similar temperatures. In more detail, temperatures at the lowest levels of the atmosphere are slightly cooler today, so we may end up just shy of 80. The official forecast for Columbia today lands at 79.

TONIGHT: Overnight, you can expect more of the same. Temperatures will drop into the upper 40s under clear skies and relatively calm conditions. Any breeze will be minor and from the southeast.

EXTENDED: A big pattern change is on the way, but it won't bring much more than a temperature change. Tuesday is another 80 degree day, with abundant sunshine. On Wednesday we'll add some clouds, and be likely just as warm, as winds turn more southerly. Temperatures may even best Tuesday by a degree or two. This warm up will happen just ahead of an approaching cold front. Behind the front will be a noticeable change in airmass. Expect mid-70s on Thursday, and a high in the low 60s on Friday with a 10-15 mph sustained wind. It's going to feel like late fall to wrap up the week. Even with such a big temperature change, the atmosphere is dry as a bone, meaning we won't see any rain chances with the cold front. From there we stay dry and cooler than normal through the weekend.