ACTION ALERT DAY: Tracking strong to severe thunderstorms Friday

Today is a KQ2 Storm Tracker Action Alert Day.

As you head out the door this morning, rain is already falling across northwest Missouri. Showers are scattered in nature but are expected to increase in coverage as we move through the day.

Temperatures are in the 60s this morning and are fairly mild. We will continue warming into the afternoon, with highs reaching the 70s. Our warmest temperatures will likely occur around midday. This is also when we may briefly dry out. How much sunshine we see and how warm we get will help determine how storms develop later this evening.

If thunderstorms are able to form and tap into the available energy, we could see two rounds of storms. The first round is possible during the afternoon and early evening, with a second round developing later tonight.

Both rounds could bring strong to severe storms. The Storm Prediction Center currently places our area in a Level 3 out of 5 risk, meaning all hazards are possible.

Confidence increases later tonight as a cold front moves through the region. Thunderstorms may redevelop along and behind this front, bringing another chance for late-night storms.

Behind the front, cooler air moves in. Highs on Saturday will only reach the low 50s. Temperatures rebound into the 60s by Sunday, and the weekend is expected to stay sunny and dry.

Rain chances return next week, with temperatures climbing back into the 70s.