Tracking a hot Thursday and weekend rain chances

Good morning and happy Thursday.

Another hot and humid day is underway across northwest Missouri and northeast Kansas. Temperatures are starting in the upper 70s to low 80s, while south winds continue to gust between 15 and 25 mph, keeping warm, humid air in place.

Cloud cover will gradually increase throughout the day, but it won't do much to limit the heat. High temperatures will climb into the low to middle 90s this afternoon, with heat index values once again reaching 105 to 110 degrees. An Extreme Heat Warning remains in effect through Friday evening.

A few isolated showers or sprinkles are possible today and again overnight, but most of the rain is expected to weaken before reaching northwest Missouri and northeast Kansas. Most locations will remain dry.

The pattern finally begins to change as we head into the holiday weekend. A cold front currently stalled near eastern Nebraska will slowly move southeast, bringing the next chance for showers and thunderstorms Saturday into early Sunday.

Current forecast trends suggest the greatest chance for rain will be during the first half of Saturday, including the morning and around midday. Rain chances decrease later in the day, which should allow for improving conditions for afternoon and evening Fourth of July celebrations, including cookouts, pool time and fireworks.

Behind the front, temperatures will cool slightly, with highs returning to the upper 80s and lower 90s for the remainder of the holiday weekend. While it will still be warm, the heat will be noticeably less intense than what we've experienced this week.

Continue to practice heat safety through Friday by staying hydrated, limiting time outdoors during the hottest part of the day and checking on those most vulnerable to the heat.