[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ouq7bu5GSyI?hl=en&fs=1&w=425&h=349]

MORE WARMTH: It’s beginning to become a broken record, talking about the record warmth across the state. Readings in the 70s and lower 80s when the average high temperatures should be in the middle 40s, but nobody is complaining. There is still a slight chance of an isolated shower or storm today through most of next week with a pesky storm that will be in no hurry of getting here and departing due to the high pressure centered off the coast of the Carolinas. On Thursday, the storms got as close to the state as the northeastern counties of Missouri and west-central Illinois, but none dropped rain in the state. Chances will get better as the days progress, but the threat will remain isolated through the weekend with better chances on Monday-Wednesday.

WILL THIS END?: This incredible weather is bound to end sooner or later, but we don’t see much to say that at this time. There will be some cooling off later next week, but likely only back into the 50s and 60s (still above average). It’s all going to depend on the amount of moisture we get from any of these storms that move through. The drier the ground gets, the faster it will warm and thus cause temperatures to continue to stay where they are. This could also lead to an expanding drought area across the state. 30% of the state is in Moderate or Severe drought currently (mainly northwest Iowa) but the lack of any rainfall soon with this warm weather is bound to increase that percentage sooner or later.