Springfield, Mo. – Heavy rain and thunderstorms will drench southwest Missouri from Wednesday night into Thursday, raising concerns over localized flooding in several counties. The National Weather Service says the heaviest rain could fall between Joplin, Springfield, and the Missouri-Kansas border, with widespread rain chances as high as 90 to 100 percent.
According to the National Weather Service office in Springfield, the most persistent rainfall is expected from Wednesday evening through Thursday morning. While the exact track of the heaviest downpours remains uncertain, areas of southeast Kansas into southwest Missouri carry the greatest risk for localized flooding.
Communities including Joplin, Nevada, and Springfield should prepare for ponding on roads and difficult morning commutes Thursday. Low-lying and poor-drainage areas will be most vulnerable. Emergency officials urge residents to avoid driving through water-covered roadways and to remain alert for rapidly changing conditions.
By Thursday afternoon, showers will gradually taper off, ushering in cooler and drier weather in time for the Labor Day weekend. Sunshine and highs in the upper 70s to low 80s are expected Friday through Sunday.
Flooding concerns remain in effect through Thursday morning, and additional advisories could be issued if rainfall totals climb higher than expected.
Five Day Forecast for Springfield, Mo.:
- Wednesday: Showers and storms, 40–70% chance evening, highs 75–82°
- Thursday: Heavy rain likely, 60–90% chance, highs 66–73°
- Friday: Partly sunny, highs 75–81°
- Saturday: Mostly cloudy, highs 77–82°
- Sunday: Sunny, highs 78–83°
