Tracking morning storm chances for the 4th of July before dry weather for show time

TODAY: I'm tracking a warm start to the day with temperatures in the low 70s as you walk out the door, but waves of isolated to scattered storms moving in from the northwest throughout the morning hours will play a role in at least briefly cooling areas they pass through. This means that it could be a wet start to the holiday for some, but in the areas where rain is heaviest, slight relief from the heat can be expected by the afternoon. For most, there is still a threat of heat index values reaching the 100-105 degree range this afternoon as actual air temperatures rise into the upper 80s and low 90s, which is why an ABC 17 Stormtrack Weather Alert Day is still in effect. During the afternoon, another round of more isolated to scattered storms will be possible, some of which could be stronger, producing damaging winds, large hail, and locally heavy downpours.

TONIGHT: I'm tracking mostly dry conditions returning after sunset for the majority of Mid-Missouri, but the heat remains as feels-like temperatures will still be in the upper 80s and low 90s. It will be a sticky evening for the 4th of July celebrations across the area, but any sort of storm chances should hold off until after the festivities are done. Another line of more widespread storms will eventually become present thanks to a passing cold front during the later overnight hours into Sunday morning as temperatures drop back down into the low 70s.

EXTENDED: I'm tracking this line of storms gradually exiting throughout Sunday afternoon as the associated cold front sinks south. This will bring slightly cooler temperatures and slightly less humidity, so by Sunday afternoon, temperatures will only warm into the mid to upper 80s, feeling like it is in the mid-90s. Little chance of rain can be expected throughout the majority of next week, with isolated storms being possible each afternoon, Monday through Thursday during the peak heating of the day. Mid to upper 80s can be expected each afternoon, with humidity still making it feel like it is in the low to mid 90s. Thursday evening into Friday, there will be another potential system on the way that could bring more widespread showers and storms.