FirstWarn Weather

FirstWARN Alert: Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Pemiscot County in MO until 8:30pm CDT. From Meteorologist Nick Palisch

First Warn Forecast: Friday, July 17, 2026
Warm, Humid, and Unsettled Weather Continues
Scattered Thunderstorms Today and Saturday
Heat Builds Early Next Week Before a Cold Front Arrives

Summer weather isn't going anywhere just yet. Warm temperatures, increasing humidity, and daily chances for scattered thunderstorms will continue through at least Tuesday. While not everyone will see rain each day, those that do could experience brief heavy downpours, gusty winds, and frequent lightning. Afternoon heat index values will also climb close to or above 100 degrees in many locations, making it feel much hotter than the thermometer indicates.

For today, any patchy morning fog will quickly burn off after sunrise, giving way to a mix of sunshine and developing clouds. As daytime heating takes over, scattered showers and thunderstorms will begin developing by late morning and continue through the afternoon and early evening. The greatest coverage appears to be east of the Mississippi River, but an isolated storm could develop almost anywhere across the region.

The atmosphere contains plenty of energy to support stronger storms, but wind shear remains very weak, limiting the overall severe weather threat. Even so, the strongest storms may produce localized wind gusts capable of knocking down small tree limbs, along with torrential rainfall and dangerous cloud-to-ground lightning. Because storms will move very slowly, some communities could receive a quick inch or more of rain in a short amount of time while neighboring towns remain completely dry.

High temperatures this afternoon will climb into the upper 80s and lower 90s, with heat index values approaching 100 degrees in the warmest locations. If you're spending time outdoors, be sure to stay hydrated, take breaks in the shade, and never leave children or pets inside a parked vehicle.

Saturday brings another hot and humid day with temperatures reaching the lower to middle 90s. A weakening cold front approaching from the north will provide a better focus for scattered thunderstorms during the afternoon and evening. While many hours of the day will remain dry, storms that develop could become a little more organized than today's activity. Gusty winds remain the primary concern, although isolated damaging wind gusts cannot be ruled out. Heat index values between 100 and 105 degrees will make it feel oppressive before storms begin to develop.

Looking ahead, the cold front is expected to slow down and stall somewhere across the region on Sunday before drifting back north on Monday. This will keep periodic chances for showers and thunderstorms in the forecast through early next week while also creating large temperature differences across the region depending on which side of the front you're located.

Monday currently appears to have the greatest potential for dangerous heat, with heat index values once again climbing well above 100 degrees in some locations. Tuesday remains somewhat uncertain, but another cold front is expected to move through sometime during the day, bringing one final opportunity for scattered thunderstorms before noticeably more comfortable air arrives during the middle of next week.

By Wednesday and Thursday, humidity levels should drop, temperatures will settle back closer to seasonal averages, and much of the region is expected to enjoy a stretch of dry weather.

What You Need to Know
Warm and humid conditions continue through early next week.
Scattered afternoon and evening thunderstorms are expected today through Tuesday.
The strongest storms today and Saturday could produce gusty winds, dangerous lightning, and localized heavy rainfall.
Heat index values will range from 100 to 105 degrees, especially Saturday through Monday.
Cooler, less humid weather is expected to arrive by the middle of next week.

First. Accurate. Trusted. That's your First Warn Forecast. Continue to monitor the forecast through the weekend as we'll refine the timing of daily thunderstorm chances and the potential for dangerous heat early next week.