Tracking record-breaking heat today, storms and a cooldown tonight

THIS AFTERNOON: Increasing clouds, and hot temperatures in the upper 80s and low 90s. Columbia is set to break its record high of 86 degrees from 1910, with a forecast high of 91.

TONIGHT: Dry through the evening, then scattered showers and storms develop in northern Missouri after sunset. This activity will move south around or after midnight, and an isolated storm or two may produce hail larger than an inch.

EXTENDED: Scattered rain will wind down early Friday morning, and temperatures will drop rapidly behind a cold front. We'll be back in the 40s to start the day, with highs in the mid-50s on Friday afternoon, almost a 40-degree drop from today. Cover sensitive plants or bring them inside on Friday night, as clear skies and strong northerly winds will drop lows to around freezing by Saturday morning. Highs remain in the 50s on Saturday, but we warm back up early next week, to the 70s on Sunday, and 80s by Monday.