As the need for rain increases across the Ozarks, tonight offers a chance to water the dry soil, with thunderstorms expected to return.

Storms will occur between 9 p.m. and 4 a.m., as a warm front slowly lifts over the region. The Storm Prediction Center recently upgraded its risk assessment , placing a large portion of our viewing area under a slight risk for severe weather.

The primary concern will be large hail, with hailstones potentially reaching the size of quarters to half-dollars. The tornado risk remains low, as these storms will be elevated and lack the necessary shear.

Thunderstorms are expected to develop in southwestern Missouri a couple of hours before midnight, moving into Springfield near the midnight hour before progressing further east. Sunday morning should start soggy, with scattered showers possible before skies clear in the afternoon. Temperatures will peak in the mid to upper 60s.

The forecast for next week looks generally sunny and quiet. Cloud cover will limit temperatures to the upper 60s on Monday, but skies will break on Tuesday, allowing temperatures to climb into the 70s, where they will remain for the rest of the week.

After tonight, our next chance for storms will be on Saturday, when thunderstorms and severe weather are possible. Stay updated with us here on the web and through the Ozarks First weather app.