Tracking Friday heat and 4th of July rain chances

Good morning and happy Friday.

We're starting the day with another warm and breezy morning across northwest Missouri and northeast Kansas. Temperatures are already in the upper 70s, and south winds will continue to usher in hot, humid air throughout the day.

Most of the area will remain dry this morning, although a weak disturbance moving across eastern Nebraska and Iowa could bring a few isolated showers or sprinkles to our far northern counties, especially near the Iowa border, around lunchtime. Most locations will stay rain-free.

High temperatures will climb into the middle 90s this afternoon, while heat index values reach 105 to 110 degrees. An Extreme Heat Warning remains in effect through Friday evening. If you have outdoor plans, be sure to stay hydrated, take frequent breaks in the shade or air conditioning, and limit strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day.

Clouds will increase tonight ahead of our next storm system. A Heat Advisory is expected to take effect Saturday as heat index values remain between 100 and 105 degrees.

Rain chances increase late Friday night into Saturday morning as a cold front moves into the region. Scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected through the morning and around midday on the Fourth of July before a period of drier weather develops during the afternoon and evening. Another round of showers and thunderstorms may return around or after sunset Saturday night.

Temperatures will finally begin to cool behind the front, with highs in the lower 90s Saturday and near 90 degrees Sunday. While it will still be warm, the heat will be less intense compared to the past several days, making for a more comfortable end to the holiday weekend.