Tracking a warmer Thursday ahead of weekend rain and a more wintry forecast next week

TODAY: Thursday is warmer and drier with a high in the 40s this afternoon amid more sunshine. Winds will be from the north around 5-10 mph.

TONIGHT: Overnight temperatures fall into the 20s and low 30s, with a continued light breeze.

EXTENDED: Friday will be chilly, with highs stuck in the 30s to near 40 at the warmest. This comes as clouds work in ahead of a rain chance Friday night into Saturday. For now, it looks like temperatures remain warm enough to hold off much of a freezing rain chance locally, but it may be a close call just north of mid-Missouri. The rain chance continues into Saturday as this system moves in and we warm. Temperatures will climb into the upper 40s by the afternoon. Rain will be very light and better in coverage to the east near St. Louis. Behind this system, we'll cool down. Highs are expected in the 60s Sunday and Monday, with lows in the 20s. This cold air in place will serve to turn our next moisture into wintry precipitation. It's beginning to look like snow will be a part of the forecast for next week; at least for a day or two. Snow chances show up Monday night, and look to peak on Tuesday, and may linger into Wednesday. There will be a chance for more measurable accumulation.