Spotty afternoon storms made for some dangerous weather again today in Springfield with strong winds near Downtown knocking down trees and even blowing out the windows of one business. The airport reported a wind gust of 54 mph. This happened on a low-severe-risk day. “Pulsey” thunderstorms developed quickly in the afternoon heat and then collapsed generating heavy rain and strong downburst winds.

The pattern will remain wet through tonight and Thursday as a storm moves north into the region. The storm is drawing a soupy air mass north into the Ozarks. Cloudy skies and areas of rain will continue through tonight into Thursday morning. The rain will become more showery and spotty during the afternoon as the storm begins to lift north of the region. The mild, showery pattern will help subdue thunderstorm chances and no severe weather is anticipated.

Periods of scattered thunderstorms will remain a daily risk through the weekend. No day will be a washout though and temperatures will remain warm with highs in the low to mid-80s each day. The severe weather risk looks low and isolated in nature, but stronger storms will be capable of producing hail and strong wind gusts.

It still looks like we’ll be able to put away our umbrellas next week as the pattern shifts back into a mild and mostly dry mode.