Tracking a break from humidity and a Friday afternoon storm chance

TODAY: Thursday will start somewhat muggy with dewpoints in the 60s. A cold front arriving by late morning will clear the region by early afternoon. This will lower dewpoints for most before the heat of the day dramatically. We'll feel more crisp this afternoon and evening, but keep warm air. Highs will peak in the mid-80s this afternoon, and remain in the 70s for the dinner hour. Winds are southwesterly becoming westerly, and breezy at times with sustained winds between 10-20 mph. Afternoon westerly gusts may reach 25-30 mph.

TONIGHT: Overnight, temperatures remain mild, leaving lows near 60 at sunrise Friday. Skies remain mostly clear through sunrise. Winds will gradually shift to a more southerly direction.

EXTENDED: This southerly wind shift will warm us again on Friday, and for some return 60+ degree dewpoints. We expect this to mostly be near I-44. In this location, we could also see thunderstorms develop. If they develop, storms could become severe before exiting the region. The chance of development is low, though, and that has so far precluded an ABC17 Stormtrack Weather Alert Day. We'll expect a chance for storms specifically near Rolla and Owensville, but most will stay dry. Hail and damaging winds are potential threats with an severe storm. This will be a targeted and short lived threat through the early to middle afternoon as the cold front should quickly push this threat east to St. Louis Friday evening. Highs on Friday will likely reach 80s before the cold front passes. This leaves Saturday cool and quiet with sunny skies and highs in the 70s. Sunday will likely be a hair warmer near 80 degrees. Sunday starts dry, but storm chances return Sunday afternoon and last into Monday. Another round is likely on Tuesday, before we trend drier on Wednesday. Highs are expected to be near 80 Sunday through Tuesday, with cooler air on Wednesday.