Tracking a hot afternoon with overnight storms
TODAY: Thursday will be another hot one! We're only near 90, but we'll have enough humidity to feel like mid-90s, and given our average high is in the upper 70s this time of year, I think "hot" is a fair description.
TONIGHT: A cold front will approach tonight, but before it passes, some storms will develop near or just west of our western and northwestern most counties. These storms will be on the margins of severe capabilities, so we'll have some potential for hail and gusty winds, but the overall severe threat is low and focused near Chariton and Macon counties. Storms will arrive around midnight, and weaken as they drift east through the night. Some showers and storms may linger near Montgomery City through 7 a.m.
EXTENDED: Friday could remain stable given the current forecast of showers and storms exiting Friday morning. But it's a close call, so we'll keep a low chance for isolated storms should enough instability present itself for a few thunderstorms Friday night. This means Friday night football is likely dry, but we'll want to be watching radar, as lightning would accompany any showers. The weekend brings a better rain chance, as an area of low pressure works through the plains, bringing us a warm and cold front Saturday and Sunday respectively. Exact timing is uncertain, but it's looking most likely that the warm front will focus rain in the region Saturday night, and the cold front Sunday night. Still, rain chances will exist all day on Saturday, with a chance for scattered showers in the morning. This means we may need the rain gear at Faurot Field for Mizzou's game against Vanderbilt. While this won't likely be drought busting rain, through a couple of rounds this next week, we could pick up an inch or more of rain west and north of Columbia, with lesser amounts south to I-44. Temperatures feel the impact of the rain, with highs near 90 on Friday, but falling into the 80s over the weekend and into the 70s next week.