Relief follows one more day of scorching temperatures

It's official, today was the hottest day of the summer so far. Highs in the mid to upper 90s were common, with Ava coming in at 99°, and Joplin coming in at 98°. It's the gift that keeps on giving with one more scorcher before relief arrives.

Heat Advisories continue to blanket the region with an Extreme Heat Warning for Southeast Missouri into Northeast Arkansas. A dangerous combination of heat and humidity continues to drive heat index values well over 100°. The advisories will remain in effect through Wednesday evening.

Looking at the short term, we've got a shot at an isolated shower or storm through sunset, followed by another warm and quiet night. And, if you've got some time tonight, step outside and catch a glimpse of dueling meteor showers.

Wednesday is shaping up to be our pivot day. A cool front to the north will be advancing south, producing scattered showers and thunderstorms. These, in turn, will likely send their own boundaries south into the Ozarks. The heat will still be there, but there should be an uptick in rain chances Wednesday afternoon into the overnight.

A few of the storms could be marginally severe with locally damaging wind gusts. Frequent lightning and locally heavy rainfall are also possible.

The actual cool front will slip through on Thursday, generating more clouds and scattered showers, and thunderstorms. This will help keep afternoon highs below 90° for the first time since the middle of July.

Most locations will see some rain through the wetter stretch, but totals will tend to be under 1". But it's a case where locally heavy thunderstorms could dump a few inches of rainfall.

August will arrive with less humidity and milder temperatures. Friday may shape up to be on the cloudier side, and this, coupled with highs just above 80°, will make for a nice break from the heatwave. The milder weather will continue through the weekend with overnight lows dipping to the lowest levels since June.

Rain chances should be at a minimum through the weekend, but may go up by Monday and Tuesday as the front slips back to the north. Hotter and more humid conditions will return later next week.