Weather Alert Day: Tracking strong gusty winds and heightened fire danger today

A Weather Alert Day has been issued ahead of strong, potentially damaging winds today.

Despite expected warmer temperatures this afternoon, it will be tough to spend much time outside with strong gusty winds expected out of the southwest.

A deep area of low pressure to our northwest will battle with high pressure to our southeast, creating a strong pressure gradient force over much of the area. Winds will be funneled in between these two features, creating a very blustery day in Mid-Missouri.

A Wind Advisory will go into effect late this morning through the evening for the threat of 45-50 mph wind gusts during the day. Small branches and hanging plants may break along with possible power outages, especially early in the day.

A Red Flag Warning is also in effect as fire weather conditions ramp up. The combination of gusty winds, low humidity, and dry ground will make any outdoor burning very dangerous as flames could spread quickly.

Winds begin to die down tonight ahead of our next cold front that will bring much-needed rain and a big cool down to the area on Sunday.