Tracking Thursday rain & Thunderstorm chances

Good morning and happy Thursday.

We're starting the day with humid conditions and temperatures in the upper 60s to low 70s across northwest Missouri and northeast Kansas. While a cold front moved through the region Wednesday afternoon, cooler air has been slow to arrive due to lingering moisture and northeast winds.

High temperatures today will only climb into the upper 70s, making it one of the cooler days of the week. However, the humidity will keep conditions feeling muggy throughout the day.

Scattered showers will continue at times today, with the greatest coverage expected along and south of the Interstate 70 corridor. Rain chances will persist through the lunchtime hours before gradually decreasing this evening. Another round of light showers is possible early Friday morning before drier conditions return by midday.

There is also a small chance for additional spotty showers late Friday into early Saturday morning, but rainfall coverage is expected to remain limited, with only about a 10% chance of precipitation.

A significant warming trend arrives this weekend. High temperatures will climb into the upper 80s Saturday, with heat index values approaching the upper 90s. By Sunday, temperatures return to the low 90s, and heat index values are expected to reach the triple digits.

The hot and humid pattern continues into next week, with afternoon heat index values remaining above 100 degrees through at least the middle of the week. Be sure to stay hydrated, take breaks in the shade or air conditioning, and limit prolonged outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day.