Springfield, MO – Sub-freezing temperatures are gripping Missouri and southeast Kansas as a Freeze Warning remains in effect through 9 a.m. Monday, with a second wave of cold expected Monday night into Tuesday.
According to the National Weather Service in Springfield, temperatures will plummet into the mid-20s overnight Sunday and again Monday evening, threatening vulnerable plants and exposed plumbing. A Freeze Watch has already been issued for Monday evening through Tuesday morning.
The warning affects a wide swath across Missouri, including Springfield, Joplin, Rolla, and West Plains, and stretches into Kansas counties such as Crawford, Cherokee, and Bourbon. Regional lows are expected to dip below freezing for several hours, especially in rural valleys and low-lying areas.
Residents are urged to cover sensitive vegetation, disconnect outdoor hoses, and insulate exposed pipes to prevent potential damage. Gardeners and farmers should take immediate protective measures, as early spring crops may suffer irreversible harm from the cold.
This late-season freeze follows an unseasonably warm stretch, adding to concerns about plant shock. Normal lows in early April typically range in the upper 30s, making this dip 10 to 15 degrees below average.
