Springfield, Missouri – The morning air already feels warm and sticky across southwest Missouri, and the hottest part of the day hasn’t even arrived. Sunshine will quickly heat roads, parking lots, and neighborhoods, while humidity drives the apparent temperature into dangerous territory by midafternoon.
A Heat Advisory is in effect from 1 p.m. Monday through 7 p.m. Tuesday across much of southwest and central Missouri, including Springfield and the Ozarks. According to the National Weather Service in Springfield, heat index values between 100 and 110 degrees are expected, increasing the risk of heat-related illness for anyone spending time outdoors.
Monday’s high reaches 96 degrees, but it will feel much hotter as humidity builds through the afternoon. A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms develops between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. While widespread severe weather is not expected, any isolated storm could produce lightning and brief heavy downpours. Travelers on Interstate 44, U.S. 60, and Highway 65 should remain alert for rapidly changing visibility if a storm develops.
The heat intensifies Tuesday with a high near 99 degrees and heat index values approaching 110 degrees. Outdoor workers, athletes, and anyone attending afternoon activities should schedule frequent breaks, drink plenty of water, and seek air-conditioned spaces during the hottest hours. Never leave children or pets inside parked vehicles, even for a few minutes.
A welcome change arrives Wednesday as highs fall to around 88 degrees under sunny skies. Thursday stays warm with highs near 87 degrees, and scattered showers and thunderstorms become more likely Thursday night into Friday. Those storms could bring locally heavy rain, though confidence in widespread severe weather remains low at this time.
Long-range outlooks continue to favor warmer-than-average temperatures returning later next week after this brief midweek break.
Five-Day Forecast for Springfield, Missouri
- Monday: Sunny and hot with a 20% chance of afternoon thunderstorms. High 96°F. Low 76°F. Heat index up to 108°F.
- Tuesday: Sunny and hot. High 99°F. Low 70°F. Heat index as high as 110°F.
- Wednesday: Sunny and less humid. High 88°F. Low 67°F.
- Thursday: Mostly sunny. High 87°F. Low 68°F. Increasing chance of thunderstorms late.
- Friday: Partly sunny with a chance of showers. High 87°F. Low 70°F.
