Tracking record breaking heat ahead of rain and thunder overnight

TODAY: Thursday is another bright and warm day, with highs expected to break a 1910 record of 86°. We should get highs in Columbia to near 90° with conditions cooler north and warmer south and west.

TONIGHT: Storms will likely hold off until after sunset, but as a cold front passes tonight, we should see showers and storms develop. Coverage is still uncertain, and so are amounts. Rain totals will land somewhere between a few tenths and a half an inch, depending on coverage. Intensity is expected to be low, with little risk for severe weather. The strongest storms may produce hail and gusty winds, so it's a great idea to park in the garage if you can.

EXTENDED: The biggest impact over the weekend will be a drop to or below freezing Saturday morning behind tonight's cold front. Highs on Friday only reach mid-50s, then we fall to near 30° to start Saturday. Bring in any sensitive plants you may already have out! Temperatures warm into the 50s-60s by Saturday afternoon, and well into the 60s (if not 70s) after a milder start on Sunday. We're back to the 80s, and more storm chances next week.