Tracking Thursday rain chances & chilly temps

Temperatures are starting in the upper 50s to lower 60s this morning, bringing another chilly start to the day. Highs will climb into the middle to upper 60s this afternoon, but scattered showers and a few thunderstorms will keep conditions unsettled.

The best chance for rain will be during the morning and early afternoon hours, with precipitation gradually tapering off after lunchtime and into the evening. A cold front will move through the region this afternoon, bringing gusty northwesterly winds of 25-30 mph. Overnight temperatures will fall into the low 40s, with wind chills dropping into the upper 30s.

Much colder conditions are expected Friday, with highs only reaching the low to mid-50s. Gusty northwesterly winds will continue through the afternoon, making it feel even colder. Be sure to grab a jacket if you’re heading outdoors!

Friday night into Saturday morning could bring the first frost or freeze concerns of the season. Overnight lows are expected to fall into the mid- to upper 30s, with some areas of northern Missouri and northeast Kansas potentially approaching the freezing mark. Frost is likely in parts of the region, so keep an eye on the forecast if you still have sensitive plants outdoors.

Thankfully, a gradual warm-up is expected this weekend as sunshine returns Saturday. Highs will reach the upper 50s to lower 60s Saturday before climbing into the upper 60s Sunday.

Looking ahead to next week, dry conditions and warmer temperatures are expected to return, with highs climbing into the low to mid-70s Monday and the mid- to upper 70s Tuesday.

After a chilly and unsettled end to the week, warmer and drier weather is on the way!