Tracking scattered morning t-storms and cooler temperatures on the way

Good morning and happy Thursday.

We're starting off with warm and somewhat active conditions across northwest Missouri and northeast Kansas. A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect for portions of northern Missouri, including Holt, Atchison and Nodaway counties, as strong thunderstorms move east across southeast Nebraska and northern Missouri.

These storms have been capable of producing large hail and will continue tracking east through the morning hours. The greatest storm threat remains near the Iowa border, while areas south of Highway 36 are expected to stay mainly dry through much of the morning.

Temperatures are beginning the day in the upper 70s to low 80s, making for another warm start. A cold front will move through around midday, bringing a few scattered showers and thunderstorms through lunchtime before pushing east.

Ahead of the front, temperatures will warm into the upper 80s. Once the front passes, winds will shift out of the north and temperatures will begin falling quickly. By this evening, many locations will be back in the mid-70s with noticeably less humidity.

Conditions continue improving tonight as skies clear and cooler air settles into the region.

Friday is shaping up to be the pick of the forecast, with sunshine, lower humidity and temperatures returning closer to seasonal averages.

Attention then turns to Saturday, when another round of showers and thunderstorms is expected to develop. Portions of the area are currently under a Level 2 out of 5 risk for severe weather, with all hazards possible if storms become strong enough.

For today, expect highs near 87 degrees before temperatures begin falling during the afternoon. Rain chances end later today, with sunshine returning for the evening and continuing into Friday.

Looking ahead, highs will remain in the low 80s Saturday before cooling into the upper 70s by Sunday and early next week.