Tracking warm air for the end of the week ahead of a dry weekend

TODAY: Mostly sunny skies return for the bulk of Wednesday. Winds are from the northwest today, but they are light; only sustained between 5-10 mph. High temperatures are still expected to reach the low 60s for highs.

TONIGHT: Winds will calm overnight, becoming variable. Some clouds in the north may complicate viewing of another episode of the northern lights here in mid-Missouri if they can manifest.

EXTENDED: We start mild to warm with lows in the 30s and 40s Thursday morning. Clouds are likely to start the day, but more sunshine is expected in the afternoon. Highs reach mid-to-upper 60s by the afternoon. The warming trend amplifies on Friday and Saturday as highs are likely to reach mid-to-upper 70s respectively. This may challenge record highs on Saturday, as the number to beat at Columbia Regional Airport is only 78°. Sunday will be slightly cooler behind a dry cold front that morning. Highs are expected in the 60s Sunday, before another cooldown into the 50s Monday. Rain looks to hold off until at least Monday.