Springfield, Missouri – Hot, dry air and strengthening winds will elevate wildfire risk across southern Missouri through Thursday, with conditions favoring rapid fire spread by the afternoon hours.
According to the National Weather Service in Springfield, temperatures will climb from the upper 60s today into the upper 70s and mid-80s Wednesday, peaking between 87°F and 91°F Thursday. At the same time, relative humidity will fall as low as 25% to 40%, while southwest winds increase to 25 to 35 mph Thursday, creating a critical window for fire danger.
Communities along the Highway 65 and I-44 corridors, including Springfield, Branson, and Rolla, face the greatest risk, especially in areas with dry vegetation. Even earlier in the week, southeast winds of 15 to 20 mph combined with humidity as low as 20% will support elevated fire conditions.
Outdoor burning is strongly discouraged, and residents should avoid activities that could create sparks, including parking on dry grass or dragging trailer chains. Fires that start under these conditions can spread quickly and become difficult to control.
Fire خطر will remain elevated into the weekend, even as a system brings a chance of rain Thursday night into Friday. Additional advisories may be issued as conditions evolve.
