Tracking a near average Tuesday ahead of more warmth

TODAY: Tuesday is another mild morning so far, but a cold front passing through the region will knock our forecast highs back into the 40s and 30s. While winds are northerly, a large determining factor will be to what degree clouds linger this afternoon. Low clouds are forecast to move in behind the cold front, but split the region, especially over our southwestern counties. This likely places some near the Lake of the Ozarks in the mid-40s, while Columbia and Jefferson City struggle to reach low 40s, and others in the northeast near Mexico may stick in the 30s.

TONIGHT: These clouds linger overnight, and temperatures fall into the 20s again with continued northerly flow.

EXTENDED: South winds return Wednesday, and will help mix out clouds through the morning. More sunshine and south wind will bring 50s back into the forecast. South wind amplifies through the atmosphere on Thursday, bringing in high clouds, but also boosting highs back into the 60s. This may lead to a sprinkle or two on Friday, but temperatures will once again likely be nearing 60 for a high. Rain chances grow into Saturday as an area of low pressure nears. Our best chance for rain currently looks like Saturday night into Sunday. We expect to be drier and slightly cooler on Monday, with highs currently forecast near 50. This is still about 10 degrees above average.