Springfield, Mo. – Southwest Missouri is facing two very different weather hazards over the next several days. Rounds of thunderstorms through Friday night could trigger localized flash flooding before dangerous heat and humidity return Sunday and persist into early next week.
According to the National Weather Service in Springfield, the greatest chance for showers and thunderstorms will occur Friday and Friday night, with 40% to 70% rain chances across much of the region. Some storms may produce rainfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour, creating a localized flash flood risk where thunderstorms repeatedly move over the same areas.
The Weather Prediction Center has placed portions of west-central and central Missouri under a Marginal to Slight Risk for excessive rainfall on Friday. Low-water crossings, urban streets and poor drainage areas will be most vulnerable to flooding if heavier storms develop. Motorists should never drive through flooded roadways and should remain alert for rapidly changing conditions.
After the storms move out, a much hotter and more humid air mass will settle over Missouri. High temperatures are expected to reach 94 to 101 degrees Sunday, 95 to 102 degrees Monday, and 94 to 101 degrees Tuesday. Afternoon heat index values are forecast to climb between 100 and 110 degrees, with the highest temperatures and heat index values expected across southwest Missouri and southeast Kansas.
Residents should stay weather-aware through Friday for possible flood advisories, then prepare for prolonged heat by staying hydrated, taking frequent breaks in air-conditioned locations and avoiding strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest part of the afternoon. Never leave children or pets unattended in vehicles.
The National Weather Service says additional flood or heat-related advisories may be issued as both weather threats evolve over the coming days.
