Joplin could break 74-year-old heat record before rain arrives

Southwest Missouri could experience record-breaking October heat, elevated wildfire danger and more than two inches of rainfall in the span of several days.

Joplin is forecast to reach 89 degrees today before climbing to 92 Tuesday, potentially breaking the daily record of 88 degrees set in 1952.

Temperatures are running 15 to 20 degrees above normal, while southwest winds gusting up to 35 mph and low humidity are creating elevated wildfire danger across the region.

A major weather pattern change is expected Tuesday night, bringing widespread showers and thunderstorms through Thursday.

The latest National Blend of Models precipitation forecast projects 2.39 inches of rain for Joplin thru Friday afternoon.

The greatest potential for heavy rainfall appears to be along and north of Interstate 44.

A limited severe thunderstorm threat is also possible before cooler temperatures arrive for the weekend.