Tracking a seasonable Friday and a hot weekend ahead

mild and mostly dry Friday will give way to a significant warmup this weekend, with temperatures climbing into the 90s and heat index values potentially reaching 105 degrees next week.

Friday will start off mild, with temperatures in the low to middle 60s and a few areas of patchy fog, particularly near low-lying areas. Widespread dense fog is not expected.

A few isolated showers may brush parts of northeastern Kansas early Friday, but most areas will remain dry. Sunshine will return through much of the day, with temperatures climbing into the middle to upper 80s.

Friday evening will remain comfortable, with temperatures in the low 80s before falling into the upper 70s around sunset. The mild conditions will make for a pleasant evening for outdoor activities.

The warmup becomes more noticeable Saturday as an upper-level ridge builds over the central Plains. High temperatures are expected to reach the upper 80s to middle 90s, with increasing southerly winds helping transport warmer air into the region.

By Sunday, the ridge will move directly over the area, sending temperatures into the mid to upper 90s.

The heat will continue through much of next week, with temperatures running roughly 10 to 15 degrees above normal. Heat index values are expected to range from 95 to 102 degrees Sunday through Tuesday, with some locations potentially approaching 105 degrees Wednesday and Thursday as humidity increases.

Those higher heat index values later next week could prompt the need for heat-related products. Anyone spending extended time outdoors should plan ahead for the increasing heat, stay hydrated and take frequent breaks in the shade or air conditioning.

Rain chances will remain limited. Northern Missouri could see a few nighttime showers or thunderstorms beginning Sunday night and continuing through Wednesday night, but chances remain low at 15% to 25%. Forecast confidence in those rain chances is also low, with recent model guidance trending drier.

For most of the region, the next week looks predominantly hot and dry, making the developing heat the primary weather concern.