Tracking record breaking warmth on the way

TONIGHT: I'm tracking a clear sky with temperatures falling into the low 40s and high 30s across mid-MO. Southwest winds at 8-10 mph will keep us from cooling off too significantly before sunrise.

TOMORROW: I'm tracking a sunny and slightly breezy day with southwesterly winds at 8-12 mph and gusts at 15+ mph. These winds will pose a low fire risk because of dry conditions currently spread through central Missouri. The sunshine will also work with southwest winds to warm temperatures into the low 70s through the afternoon hours. The record high for Columbia tomorrow is 74 degrees which was set back in 1981, and there is a potential to break it.

EXTENDED: Monday and Tuesday will both be significantly warmer than average and will both have the chance to break more records. Monday we are expected to warm up into the mid to high 70s, and the record in Columbia for the 26th of February is 77 degrees which was set back in 1996. On Tuesday, it will be even warmer as we get into the high 70s and potentially low 80s. The record on the 27th of February in Columbia is 75 degrees which was set in 1976. Tuesday evening into Wednesday morning a strong cold front is expected to move through Missouri and bring us back to reality for a short period of time. Rain and the chance for strong thunderstorms will be associated with this front. The best chance for stronger thunderstorms as of now is currently expected to land in some of our southeastern counties. This could change over time as there is plenty of uncertainty with this system.