Tracking a cool down for Friday and Saturday, warm and windy starting Sunday

TONIGHT: Mostly clear and cooler with lows in the mid-upper 30s.

TOMORROW: Passing clouds and cooler with highs in the mid-upper 50s.

EXTENDED: We'll be cooler tonight as skies remain clear and northwest winds pick up to 20-25 mph. Friday is still mild by February's standards as a backdoor cold front moving in from the north could bring cooler temperatures in the upper 50s, along with a few clouds. We'll be cooler in the wake of that as temperatures drop to just below freezing on Saturday morning, and only make it to the low 50s during the day. Winds shift back around to the south on Sunday, sending morning temperatures back up to about 40, and highs to near 70 again Sunday afternoon. A warm front lifts through the area on Monday, sending temperatures to near record highs in the mid-70s. We're watching the potential for a few strong to severe storms in the region by late Tuesday as moisture and instability increase ahead of a cold front that moves through on Tuesday night. The Storm Prediction Center has already highlighted Mid-Missouri and the surrounding area for the potential of severe weather, but we'll have a better idea of the possible risks the closer we get to next week as we can pinpoint the timing of the front. We'll also have an elevated fire danger the next few days as gusty winds pick up and dry air remains in place. We'll cool down behind Tuesday night's cold front as temperatures tumble into the low 50s for highs on Wednesday.