Tracking a sample of summer warmth and humidity

TODAY: Wednesday is a toasty reminder that we're getting closer to summer. As a warm front lifts across the region, we can expect an increase in our winds from the southeast, more warmth, and an increase in humidity. Winds may be breezy at times; sustained around 10-15 mph, and gusting up to 25 mph at times. Temperatures may reach mid-80s this afternoon, with dew points in the upper 60s. This combination may have us close to feeling like 90 degrees in spots. We'll have partly cloudy skies, with enough sunshine for you to grab the sunglasses and sunscreen.

TONIGHT: Overnight, temperatures are summer-like, to say the least. We'll maintain muggy conditions, with temperatures in the mid-60s at sunrise.

EXTENDED: This sets us up for another muggy and warm start Thursday. Highs will reach mid-to-upper 80s by the afternoon. We would likely make 90 if it weren't for a cold front arriving by mid-to-late morning. The air behind will be drier but still mild. This will have temperatures still reaching upper 80s but dew points falling in the afternoon - back into the 40s. There will be a NOTABLE change in humidity through the day. The one thing the cold front doesn't do for us is generate any chance for rain. We may pick up some clouds, but we will likely stay dry. Low level winds will increase ahead of the front Thursday night, bringing a better chance for rain up I-44 to St. Louis. Another disturbance will quickly dive in from the west, bringing a quick passing cold front Friday morning. This will bring a chance for showers and storms to mid-Missouri through midday into the early afternoon. This timing will likely limit any severe risk for us, but place St. Louis, southeast Missouri, and southern Illinois in the bullseye for an afternoon and evening severe threat. After dry time Saturday, rain and thunderstorm chances return Sunday through Tuesday.