Tracking a warm & windy Wednesday

Good morning and happy Wednesday.

Another hot and humid morning is underway across northwest Missouri and northeast Kansas, with temperatures already in the 80s. South winds continue to gust between 20 and 30 mph, helping keep the hot and humid air in place.

Today's forecast will be very similar to what we've experienced the past several days. Afternoon highs will climb into the middle 90s, with heat index values reaching around 105 degrees. An Extreme Heat Warning remains in effect through Friday evening, and it may be extended into Saturday if the dangerous heat persists.

Most of the area will remain dry today, although a few light sprinkles are possible across our far northwestern counties and southeast Nebraska during the morning. The majority of northwest Missouri and northeast Kansas will stay dry with plenty of sunshine.

Rain chances begin to increase this weekend, with the first opportunity for scattered showers and thunderstorms arriving Saturday afternoon. Additional rain is possible Saturday night into Sunday morning as another system moves through the region.

Behind that system, temperatures will cool slightly, with highs dropping from the middle 90s Saturday into the upper 80s to near 90 degrees Sunday and early next week. Current forecast trends also suggest there will be periods of dry weather during the holiday weekend, allowing for outdoor plans, pool time, fireworks and other Fourth of July celebrations.

Looking ahead, a more active weather pattern is expected to develop early next week, bringing additional chances for showers and thunderstorms along with slightly cooler temperatures.