Weather
Southwest Missouri Fire Alert: 93° Heat, Gusty Winds Sunday Oct 11
Springfield, MO – An unusually hot and dry October weather pattern is expected to create elevated fire danger across southwestern Missouri Sunday, Oct. 11, with temperatures reaching the lower 90s and
By Avery Collins · 2026-10-10T20:43:34.593Z
Springfield, MO – An unusually hot and dry October weather pattern is expected to create elevated fire danger across southwestern Missouri Sunday, Oct. 11, with temperatures reaching the lower 90s and gusty winds increasing the risk of rapidly spreading fires.
According to the National Weather Service in Springfield, a warm, dry air mass will combine with strong southwesterly winds Sunday afternoon, producing conditions favorable for the rapid spread of grass and vegetation fires.
Forecasters expect the greatest fire weather concerns primarily along and west of U.S. Highway 65, although dry conditions will affect surrounding communities.
Temperatures Could Reach 93 Degrees Sunday afternoon temperatures are forecast to climb between 88 and 93 degrees across the affected region.
Southwesterly winds could gust between 20 and 30 mph, with the strongest winds expected west of Highway 65.
Meanwhile, relative humidity levels are forecast to fall between 20% and 35%, with the driest conditions expected east of the highway.
The combination of heat, wind and low humidity could allow fires to spread quickly, especially through dry grass and vegetation.
Fire Officials Urge Extra Caution The National Weather Service warns that uncontrolled fires can threaten lives and property under these conditions.
Residents are encouraged to avoid outdoor activities involving open flames or sparks.
Officials also recommend properly disposing of cigarettes, avoiding parking vehicles on dry grass and checking trailers for dragging chains that could produce sparks.
Even a small ignition source could become dangerous if a fire spreads into nearby vegetation.
Elevated Fire Danger Expected Sunday Afternoon The primary concern is Sunday afternoon, when daytime heating, gusty winds and lower humidity are expected to overlap.
Residents across southwestern Missouri should remain alert to changing weather conditions and check local restrictions before conducting outdoor burning.
The National Weather Service encourages residents to monitor updated forecasts at weather.gov/springfield.