Tracking limited wind threat tonight along with much needed rain

TONIGHT: An ABC 17 Stormtrack Weather Alert Day is in place with a limited threat of damaging winds expected to accompany storms that arrive in the 6-7 p.m. window for our western counties. Storms will be their strongest upon arrival, and are expected to have a weakening element to them as they push east. Still, thanks to storms that stayed south of mid-Missouri this morning, enough residual storm energy will remain for storms to feed on early in the evening. This will carry the severe threat to near Columbia and Jefferson City as soon as 8 p.m. This will likely be similar to activity we experienced on Wednesday, where isolated damage was reported, but most enjoyed some widespread rainfall. We will also have a concern for isolated hail, widespread lightning, and a localized flooding risk. Storms will weaken as they approach Mexico, Linn, as soon as 9p.m., with the leading edge reaching Montgomery City, Hermann, and Owensville closer to 10 p.m. The severe threat will likely clear by midnight.

TOMORROW: Saturday morning, showers may linger early, but daylight hours are expected to be dry. We'll start mostly sunny, and become partly cloudy by the afternoon with some cumulus clouds redeveloping by midday. We'll be warm, with highs reaching near 90 accompanied by dew points in the 60s.

EXTENDED: Daily chances for storms return as soon as Sunday, with the same active northwest flow aloft driving our chances. It will likely be warm as highs climb into the low 90s. We'll keep off and on chances for storms into Tuesday, with daily highs reaching low 90s. Drier weather, and a better chance at mid-to-upper 90s returns Wednesday through Thursday.