Tracking lingering rain chances on Wednesday

Showers and thunderstorms will continue across the region Wednesday, with the heaviest rain expected south of St. Joseph near Kansas City and along Interstate 70.

While St. Joseph is starting the morning mostly dry with a few isolated showers, areas farther south have already seen significant rainfall. Nearly 3 inches of rain has been reported near Leavenworth, Kansas, prompting flooding concerns. Parts of northwest Missouri, including Rockport, Falls City and Mound City, have also received rainfall, with St. Joseph seeing just over a quarter-inch.

Temperatures will start Wednesday in the upper 60s to lower 70s before warming into the mid to upper 70s around lunchtime. A cold front will move through the area later Wednesday, bringing additional showers and thunderstorms.

The strongest storms are possible during the afternoon and evening, particularly across northern Missouri and the four northeastern counties north of the Missouri River. Strong wind gusts and an occasional rumble of thunder are possible, especially during the evening commute.

Rain and storms are expected to clear Wednesday night, allowing temperatures to cool into the mid-60s Thursday morning.

Wednesday's high will be near 80 degrees, with warmer temperatures returning later in the week. Highs are expected to climb into the upper 80s Friday and through the weekend. Another chance for rain arrives Sunday before hotter and more humid conditions return next week, with temperatures expected to climb again Monday and Tuesday.