After five straight days with temperatures stuck in the 60s, we’re finally ready for a warm-up. While that’s a bit below average for early May, the sunshine and beautiful weather made for a perfect weekend for all the outdoor festivities.
If Saturday felt a little too cool, Sunday will be much more comfortable. A warming trend will push temperatures about 15 degrees higher, with afternoon highs climbing into the upper 70s. A few spots could even touch 80 degrees.
The tradeoff for the warmer temperatures will be the wind. Expect a breezy south wind, with gusts around 20 mph at times. Even so, skies will remain sunny, and weather conditions will be excellent for any outdoor plans.
Late Sunday evening, a few thunderstorms may develop near central Missouri, mainly along the Interstate 70 corridor. The Storm Prediction Center has placed that area under a Level 1 out of 5 risk for severe weather. Here in Springfield, however, I do not expect any impacts. That’s especially good news for those traveling home after the conclusion of the Route 66 celebrations.
Our next meaningful chance for storms arrives Monday night as a cold front sweeps through the Ozarks. Some thunderstorms could become strong to severe, with damaging wind gusts and large hail as the primary threats. While hail is certainly possible, it does not appear likely to be as significant as the hailstorm we experienced last Tuesday…