Tracking a cooler & sunny Friday

Good morning and happy Friday.

After several days of heat, humidity and thunderstorms, much cooler and more comfortable air has settled across northwest Missouri and northeast Kansas. Temperatures this morning are running 15 to 20 degrees cooler than they were Thursday morning, with readings in the upper 50s to low 60s.

A gentle north breeze and lower humidity levels are making for a refreshing start to the day. High pressure has moved into the central Plains, allowing skies to clear and providing plenty of sunshine through the afternoon.

High temperatures today will climb into the low to mid-80s, which is near seasonal averages for late June. Combined with lower humidity, it will be an excellent day to spend time outdoors, attend local events or enjoy an evening at the ballpark.

Clouds will begin increasing overnight as our next weather system approaches.

Attention then turns to Saturday, when showers and thunderstorms are expected to develop during the afternoon and evening. A Level 2 out of 5 severe weather risk covers much of northwest Missouri, while portions of the southern viewing area are under a Level 3 out of 5 risk for severe storms.

Storms could become strong to severe Saturday evening, with the greatest threat expected along and south of the Interstate 70 corridor. Rain and thunderstorms should move out early Sunday morning as cooler air returns behind another cold front.

For today, expect mostly sunny skies and a high near 84 degrees. Temperatures will cool into the upper 70s Sunday and Monday before warming back into the low 80s by early next week.