Tracking lingering heat and sunshine, cooler air next week

Early October heat and abundant sunshine continue across Northwest Missouri and Northeast Kansas late this week and into the weekend, with temperatures running 10 to 15 degrees above average through Sunday. A cold front will usher in a seasonably cool air mass early next week along with the onset of rain chances.

Bright sunshine and highs near 90 degrees Thursday evening will lead into a mild and dry night with lows falling to near 60s degrees and southerly winds at 5 to 10 mph. Friday brings a repeat performance as afternoon temperatures warm into the low 90s and sunny skies prevail.

Heat lingers through the weekend with highs in the mid to upper 80s and dry skies Saturday and Sunday. Spotty rain chances return Sunday evening and overnight as a cold front passes through the region. Passing rain chances will persist through the middle of next week, and temperatures will cool by 10 to 20 degrees as highs return to the mid to low 70s.