Weather
Springfield, MO Weather Alert: Frost, Lows Near 30° Sunday, Oct. 18
SPRINGFIELD, MO – Missouri residents are preparing for a chilly October weekend as temperatures drop into the 30s and the season's first widespread frost potential develops across the eastern Ozarks.
By Rachel Monroe · 2026-10-16T10:14:40.278Z
SPRINGFIELD, MO – Missouri residents are preparing for a chilly October weekend as temperatures drop into the 30s and the season's first widespread frost potential develops across the eastern Ozarks. Some communities could approach freezing early Sunday, October 18, putting sensitive plants and gardens at risk before a significant warmup arrives next week.
According to the National Weather Service in Springfield, confidence is increasing that frost will develop Sunday morning, particularly in valleys and sheltered areas of the eastern Ozarks.
The highest frost probabilities range from 60% to 90% across portions of the eastern Ozarks , where forecasters also identify a 20% to 50% chance of freezing temperatures in isolated locations.
Communities near Salem, Houston, Mountain View and West Plains face some of the region's greatest frost potential.
The NWS probability map shows approximately a 91% chance of temperatures below 35 degrees near Salem, compared with around 16% in Springfield.
Before the weekend frost threat, gusty north winds will affect the region Friday, October 16.
Wind gusts between 25 and 35 mph are expected, with afternoon temperatures ranging from 51 to 60 degrees.
Clouds will increase following some morning sunshine, and isolated sprinkles are possible during the afternoon.
Friday night temperatures should fall between 36 and 40 degrees, with patchy light frost possible in protected, low lying locations.
The colder morning is expected Sunday , when eastern Ozarks communities could experience temperatures in the lower 30s, while western areas generally remain in the upper 30s.
Residents with gardens, flowers or other sensitive vegetation should consider covering plants or moving them indoors before the coldest conditions arrive.
The chilly weather will not last long.
Saturday highs should reach 58 to 63 degrees, followed by 64 to 67 degrees Sunday.
A warming trend begins Monday, with highs reaching 70 to 73 degrees before climbing to 74 to 78 degrees Tuesday.