Tracking Friday showers and dangerous heat

Good morning and happy Friday!

We're ending the workweek with a soggy start across northwest Missouri and northeast Kansas. Showers are ongoing this morning, with the steadiest and heaviest rain falling along and south of U.S. Highway 36. Areas farther north are seeing lighter, more scattered showers, with a few dry breaks in between. More widespread rainfall is expected through the morning hours.

Temperatures are starting in the upper 60s, and while it is a mild morning, the rain is making it feel much cooler. If you're heading out, plan for a wet morning commute. Be sure to allow extra travel time, use your headlights, and watch for ponding on roadways.

Periods of rain will continue through lunchtime, with the heaviest rainfall remaining south of Highway 36. A few rumbles of thunder are possible, but severe weather is not expected. Rain will gradually taper off through the afternoon, with only a few lingering showers by the evening commute before skies begin to clear later tonight.

High temperatures today will only reach the upper 70s, making this the coolest day before a significant warmup arrives.

The forecast changes dramatically this weekend as dangerous heat builds into the region. An Extreme Heat Watch is in effect from Saturday afternoon through Tuesday evening. Heat index values are expected to reach around 105 degrees Saturday, near 110 degrees Sunday, and could approach 113 degrees Monday.

If you have outdoor plans this weekend, take precautions against the heat. Drink plenty of water, wear lightweight and light-colored clothing, limit strenuous activities during the afternoon, and check on children, older adults and pets. Never leave children or pets unattended in a vehicle.

After today's rain, dry weather returns for the weekend, but so does an extended stretch of dangerous heat that will continue into early next week.