The National Weather Service warned that fire danger remains high again this afternoon.
A dry air mass remains in place over the region, and afternoon humidity values will fall to below 30 per across much of the area, with winds shifting to the northwest this afternoon.
The greatest fire potential will be across northwestern Missouri and northeastern Kansas, where winds will become stronger from the northwest, and also across central into southern and eastern Missouri.
As a cold front moves through the area late this morning and early this afternoon, gusty northwest winds of up to 25 mph are possible.
The weather service said outdoor burning should be avoided today as these conditions could lead to uncontrolled fires.
Today’s high will be 64, a little cooler than Thursday, according to the forecast.
Temperatures are predicted to reach 62 at 3 p.m., and an estimated 15-degree drop in the temperature is predicted between 6 p.m. and midnight, when it will be 45 degrees.
The drop will continue at 3 a.m. Saturday, when it will be about 40 degrees, through 6 a.m., at 37 degrees. Saturday’s high will be only 47 degrees.
Sunday’s high will be 41 degrees.
Monday brings a 40 percent chance of rain or snow with a high of 39. Tuesday will be mostly sunny with a high of 38.