Tracking light rain for some, and more dry weather for others
TODAY: Very light rain is forecast for some today, as an area of low pressure brushes by to the south. Rain chances will vary widely from north to south, with potential for as much as a quarter of an inch near Rolla and Waynesville, and likely nothing expected along and north of a line from Marshall to Paris. With this, temperatures will vary greatly as well. Folks in the north, where we are not only dry but also experiencing some broken clouds, will experience highs in the upper 60s if not 70. Where rain falls, highs are confined to the low 60s. Columbia and Jefferson City will fall on the fringe of rainfall, with light showers possible through the early afternoon, and a high forecast near 65 degrees.
TONIGHT: After a lack-luster rain for most in mid-Missouri, the low will push eastward, taking its rain with it. At least partly cloudy skies will linger overnight, and into the morning hours on Friday.
EXTENDED: Starting in the high 40s, we'll see temperatures climb under partly cloudy skies, into the upper 60s to nearly 70 by the early afternoon on Friday. At this time, a cold front will be moving in from the west, likely driving a line of showers and storms. Losing moisture as it arrives, the cold front will trigger its best rain chances in the northwest, near communities like Marshall, Brunswick, and Macon, before deteriorating as it arrives. No severe is anticipated, even with the line to our west, but a rumble of thunder is possible. Light rainfall will begin to dry up as the front pushes through mid-Missouri through the evening. By Saturday morning, it's east of us, and we're dealing with some potential for lingering clouds. For a window on Saturday, some clearing may appear as we pull in dry air from the southwest. This climbs temps into the upper 60s, but wrap around moisture is a strong signal Saturday night, that may bring low clouds and a spot shower or two. This moisture should clear for the most part on Sunday, leaving more sunshine in the forecast next week. High pressure slides in for the first half of next week, but as it arrives, we'll be in northerly flow. This keeps daily highs in the 60s through at least Tuesday. Warmer air is possible for the second half of next week, but it's not a certainty at this point.
