Tracking Near Record Highs Before Rain Returns

Warm temperatures expected to break records in Columbia, Missouri before cold front brings several days of rain.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 9:33pm

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A sweeping, atmospheric landscape painting depicting an approaching storm system, with dark, ominous clouds dominating the frame and dwarfing any physical structures or objects in the foreground.An impending storm system looms large over the heartland, foreshadowing the dramatic weather shift to come.Columbia Today

The Columbia, Missouri area is forecast to experience near-record high temperatures in the mid-to-upper 80s on Monday and Tuesday, before a cold front originating from the Great Lakes brings several rounds of rain and storms starting Tuesday night and lasting through the weekend. The rainfall could total 2-3 inches, with the bulk of the precipitation expected Wednesday through Thursday. Temperatures will briefly warm up again on Friday before cooling down for the holiday weekend.

Why it matters

The upcoming weather pattern will provide a stark contrast, with record-challenging heat giving way to an extended period of wet and cooler conditions. This could impact outdoor activities, energy usage, and agricultural interests in the region.

The details

The high pressure system currently in place is expected to push temperatures well above average, with highs potentially reaching the mid-to-upper 80s on Monday and Tuesday. This would challenge the existing record high of 84 degrees in Columbia. However, a cold front originating from the Great Lakes is forecast to arrive late Tuesday, bringing the first of several rounds of rain that could last through the weekend. The front is expected to stall out across the region, leading to 2-3 inches of rainfall between Wednesday and Friday. A final push of rain and storms is possible Friday night into Saturday before cooler temperatures arrive for the holiday weekend.

  • Monday and Tuesday: Near record high temperatures in the mid-to-upper 80s expected.
  • Tuesday night: Cold front arrives, bringing the first chance of rain and storms.
  • Wednesday through Thursday: Bulk of the 2-3 inches of rainfall expected as the front stalls out.
  • Friday night through Saturday: Final round of rain and storms possible.
  • Holiday weekend: Cooler temperatures expected after the front passes.

The players

Columbia, Missouri

The city in central Missouri where the record high temperatures and incoming rainfall are expected.

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The takeaway

The upcoming weather pattern will provide a dramatic shift, with record-challenging heat giving way to an extended period of wet and cooler conditions. This could impact a variety of interests in the region, from outdoor activities to energy usage and agriculture.