Tracking record heat and storms to kick off the workweek

TODAY: Skies remain clear and winds increase out of the south to 15-20 mph with gusts above 30 mph at times. Winds have triggered a Red Flag Warning for western Mid-MO, but it's best to avoid burning anywhere. High temperature records are in jeopardy today with Columbia's record at 80 degrees and our forecast reaching or exceeding this.

TOMORROW: More clouds arrive early Monday, but we will still flirt with record highs if enough sunshine sticks around. Highs will be overall slightly cooler in the upper 70s ahead of a cold front that may bring storms in the evening. Current timing is for storms to pop up around sundown and track east into the overnight. With the heat we could see isolated stronger to severe storms; a 1/5 risk covers most of Missouri mostly for a hail threat.

EXTENDED: Temperatures drop behind the cold front but highs will still be running 10-15 degrees above average for the rest of the week. A wet pattern is expected to set up the second half of the week, which could bring more substantial rainfall and assist in the current drought across Missouri.