Tracking a big warm up that arrives just in time for the weekend

TODAY: The chance for a few showers and storms early this morning lifts to the north by sunrise. Expect clearing skies, and gusty south winds to boost temperatures into the 80s Friday afternoon.

TONIGHT: Overnight, we pick up some high clouds, but winds stay southerly, keeping us warm. We only drop into the mid-60s overnight.

EXTENDED: Waking up to 60s on Saturday morning, it won't take much to get us back into the low to mid-80s. Expect more gusty south winds, and mostly sunny skies. During the late afternoon, a few thunderstorms may develop north of I-70. Saturday night, we'll likely be tracking severe weather to our west. At this time, it is possible that it makes it to mid-Missouri by late Saturday night. The main question is if it will be able to hold its intensity. Currently, the expectation is that these will greatly weaken as they approach mid-Missouri. If anyone is at risk of severe storms, it will be those near highway 65 late Saturday night. These storms will likely re-intensify again on Sunday as they push through the St. Louis area. All severe impacts are possible with this system, but as it looks right now. We may be once again well positioned to see a relatively weak overnight passage of this system. Drier and cooler weather is expected behind it next week, with highs through Wednesday remaining in the 60s.