Tracking spotty shower chances before a dry and sunny Friday

TODAY: The UV will be moderate to high near Columbia, low near Rolla, and high from Sedalia to northern Boone county to Paris and areas northwest of these communities. Temperatures settle in the low 70s for many in the afternoon. Expect a northeast breeze around 5-10 mph, gusting to 15.

TONIGHT: Skies will clear to partly cloudy by early Friday morning, leaving us with lows in the 40s to near 50, and a chance at sunrise.

EXTENDED: Abundant sunshine fills the sky from Friday through the weekend. Friday's high comes in the low 70s as cool northern air replaces the rainfall from midweek. The temperatures only increase over the weekend, leaving us sunny and 75 on Saturday, and in the upper 70s Sunday. We would've been on track for 80 by Monday, but a gulf low brings clouds and a shower chance by midday. This keeps highs in the 70s, before a better chance at 80 with dry time Tuesday and Wednesday.