Looks like a non-event

Tonight's system, which earlier was forecasted to bring freezing rain, now appears to be a non-event for Cape Girardeau. We probably will only see a dusting of snow -- and even that isn't a sure thing. The current precipitation forecast shows Southeast Missouri (except the Bootheel) as basically dry:

The next storm system could deliver some sleet or freezing rain during the day Sunday, but temperatures will soon rise above freezing, so this isn't likely to be a big deal either.

Temperatures should shoot into the 60s on Tuesday, setting the stage for a chance of severe thunderstorms Tuesday evening. The Storm Prediction Center is already highlighting the risk in their extended outlook:

The outlooks from SPC are pretty reliable, so it's an ominous sign that they are concerned this far in advance. Warm weather usually doesn't last long in January without at least the chance for tornadoes or strong winds, so we'll have to keep an eye on this one.

The 8-14 day forecast and computer models are hinting at another cold snap at the end of next week with a chance for accumulating snow, but 8 days is an eternity for a weather forecast. I wouldn't want to spend more than one sentence mentioning it -- oh crud, I've already spent two.