Tracking a bright and mild Thursday and a dreary weekend

TODAY: Skies are mostly sunny today, with highs once again striking mid-60s after another frosty start for some. Winds are light and variable at times, but generally from the north.

TONIGHT: Skies remain mostly clear until late overnight when some high clouds move in. Temperatures will be chilly again Thursday night, but not as cold as the night prior.

EXTENDED: Temperatures start near 40 on Friday, and only reach the upper 50s as clouds overspread the region. Overcast skies will precede a chance for showers through the day on Friday. Rain chances continue off and on through Sunday. Highs are in the low 60s Saturday and Sunday, with lesser rain coverage forecast compared to Friday. Overall, rain totals from Friday through Sunday are forecast up to a quarter of an inch near Macon, a quarter to a half inch near Columbia, and up to an inch at most near the Lake of the Ozarks. One more shot at rain may come Monday and Tuesday, but chances and amounts are a bit lower with plenty of dry time forecast both days.