Springfield, Missouri — Temperatures are dropping into the mid-30s across southern Missouri overnight, with patchy frost developing between 2 a.m. and 7 a.m. Sunday and creating risks for plant damage and slick spots on rural roads in Springfield, West Plains, Rolla, Mountain Grove and Salem.
According to the National Weather Service in Springfield, the highest frost potential will focus across the eastern Ozarks, where lows between 35 and 45 degrees will allow moisture to condense on exposed surfaces before sunrise.
This is part of a broader system bringing cooler air across the region, allowing temperatures to fall quickly overnight under clearing skies and light winds.
Frost may form rapidly in low-lying valleys and sheltered areas, especially along rural routes and low-water crossings near West Plains and Salem, where cold air settles and moisture collects. Thin frost could develop on bridges and shaded roadways along US-60 and east of US-65, briefly reducing traction for early drivers.
Sensitive vegetation is vulnerable to damage after several hours in the mid-30s, particularly in outlying areas where temperatures dip lower than surrounding towns.
Drivers should slow on untreated roads early Sunday, and residents should cover or bring in plants to prevent damage.
The most critical frost window will occur between 3 a.m. and 6 a.m. Sunday, when temperatures bottom out across the eastern Ozarks.
