40 MPH gusts today, a few severe storms this evening

A Wind Advisory has been issued for much of the region today. 40 mph or greater wind gusts are expected, mainly over southeast Missouri and southern Illinois. Elsewhere, 25 to 35 mph gusts are expected.

Temperatures through Friday night will be 15 to 20 degrees above normal. A cold frontal passage Saturday will send temperatures down to near or below normal levels from Easter Sunday through Tuesday.

Daily chances of showers and thunderstorms are forecast throughout the region. A few severe storms will be possible over southeast Missouri and southern Illinois late this afternoon into this evening. The most widespread rainfall will be ahead of a cold front late Friday night through Saturday, when one to two inches of rain will be possible.