Springfield, MO – Unseasonably warm temperatures are expected across southwest Missouri today, with several cities likely flirting with — or breaking — long-standing December heat records before a strong cold front sweeps through the region.
According to the National Weather Service in Springfield, afternoon highs are forecast to surge into the upper 60s and low 70s by midday to early afternoon Sunday, December 28, creating rare late-December warmth before temperatures drop sharply later today.
In Springfield (Greene County), forecasters expect a high near 70 degrees, just shy of the city’s December 28 record of 75 degrees set in 1928. Joplin (Jasper County) is forecast to reach 70 degrees, which would surpass its standing record high of 69 degrees from 1984, potentially setting a new mark.
The warmth extends into the West Plains area (Howell County), where a forecast high of 71 degrees would easily break the previous record of 62 degrees set in 2019. Vichy/Rolla (Phelps County) is also expected to reach 71 degrees, topping its record of 69 degrees, also from 1984.
Meteorologists say the brief warm-up is being driven by strong southerly winds ahead of an advancing cold front. Once the front passes later Sunday, temperatures are expected to fall quickly, returning the region to more seasonable winter conditions.
Residents are urged to remain aware of rapidly changing conditions, especially if traveling or making outdoor plans that could be affected by the sudden temperature shift.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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