Springfield, Mo. – Drivers in the Missouri Ozarks should be cautious overnight as patchy dense fog and isolated thunderstorms develop east of Highway 63, with potential impacts lingering through early Friday morning.
According to the National Weather Service in Springfield, there is a marginal risk for lightning in isolated storms through 11 p.m. Thursday, especially in areas east of U.S. 63. Patchy fog is expected to settle across southwest Missouri, with visibility potentially reduced in low-lying areas depending on cloud cover.
Counties including Greene, Phelps, Dent, Howell, and Texas may experience the greatest effects, particularly during early commutes. Roadways like U.S. 60 and I-44 could see visibility drop below 1 mile at times. The fog is expected to lift by 7 a.m. Friday as skies clear and temperatures climb toward the low 70s.
Motorists are advised to use low beams, reduce speed, and avoid sudden stops in foggy conditions. No spotter activation is expected tonight, but weather officials will continue monitoring developments.
Showers and thunderstorms are forecast to return by early next week, with rain chances increasing again Monday night into Tuesday.
Warnings remain limited at this time, but updates may follow if fog or storms intensify.
