Storm system to hit central U.S. this holiday weekend

National Weather Service graphic

Active weather is expected this Christmas weekend as a strong storm system passes over the central United States, according to the National Weather Service.

The expected storm track will keep precipitation in the form of rain over the lower Missouri Valley, the weather service said.

Isolated storms and moderate rains will be possible Sunday and Sunday night as the system’s cold front pushes through the region, according to the weather service. Severe weather is not anticipated at this time.

Today, the weather service said the high will be near 45 with sunny skies, and a south southwest wind of 6 to 8 mph changing to northwest in the afternoon.

Tonight, the low will be around 25 with a northwest wind of 6 to 8 mph, according to the weather service.

Thursday, expect partly sunny skies and a high near 40, the weather service said. A northwest wind of 6 mph will become calm in the morning.

Thursday night, there is a 20 percent chance of snow after midnight, with a low of 29, according to the weather service. A calm wind will become south southeast around 6 mph after midnight.

Friday, there is a 20 percent chance of rain, before 10 a.m., then a chance of rain, snow, freezing rain and sleet between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m., followed by a chance of rain after 11 a.m., the weather service said. The high will be near 41, with a south wind of 7 to 10 mph. Less than a tenth of an inch of precipitation is likely.

Friday night, there is a 20 percent chance of rain, mixing with freezing rain after 11 p.m., then gradually ending, according to the weather service. The low will be around 30.

Saturday, it will be partly sunny with a high near 44, the weather service said.

Saturday night, Christmas Eve, there will be a chance of drizzle after midnight, according to the weather service. The low will be around 41.

On Sunday, Christmas Day, there is a 70 percent chance of rain before noon, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after noon, the weather service said. The high will be near 61, and it will be breezy.

Sunday night, there is a 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before midnight, then a chance of rain after midnight, according to the weather service. The low will be around 39 and it will be breezy.

Monday, it will be mostly sunny with a high near 41, the weather service said. Monday night, expect mostly clear skies with a low of 24.