Tracking a temperature roller coaster ahead of prolonged warmth next week

TODAY: Wednesday brings significant warmth to the region, given what cold has been entrenched in the area since before the weekend. Southwest winds and sunshine will likely bring temperatures back above freezing, into the mid-30s for many.

TONIGHT: We keep south winds overnight into Thursday, where we only cool into the upper teens and low 20s.

EXTENDED: Timing of a passing low on Thursday will play a role in how warm we get before arctic air returns, but it's possible we break freezing again in the early afternoon. However, an upper level wave will drive a surface low through the region Thursday afternoon and evening which will bring light snow with arctic air surging behind it. Accumulations are likely, especially north of I-70. This is where folks could see anywhere from a trace to two inches, with the greatest likelihood near a trace to one inch. Columbia and Jefferson City have a chance for accumulation, but likely less than an inch. Temperatures will drop into the single digits again Friday morning, with wind Chills again reaching subzero status. An ABC 17 Stormtrack Weather Alert Day has been issued for Friday and Saturday, as temperatures don't recover until Sunday, when we're back near freezing for a high. Warmth and moisture returns early next week. Highs will climb into the upper 30s on Monday, before reaching 40s by the middle of next week. Rain likely returns on Monday, and lasts into Tuesday at least.