Springfield, Missouri – Bright sunshine may greet parts of the Ozarks early Sunday, but a much different scene could unfold by afternoon. Dark clouds, frequent lightning, and sheets of rain are expected to develop across southwest Missouri as a powerful storm system targets the region.
According to the National Weather Service in Springfield, a Flood Watch remains in effect from early Sunday through Monday morning across much of the Missouri Ozarks and southeast Kansas. The watch includes Springfield, Branson, Nixa, Ozark, Lebanon, Rolla, Camdenton, and dozens of surrounding communities.
Meteorologists are tracking a developing storm pattern capable of producing heavy rainfall, damaging wind gusts, large hail, and isolated tornadoes. The Storm Prediction Center places the area in a Slight Risk for severe weather Sunday, while excessive rainfall concerns continue to increase.
Rain chances climb to 60% Sunday afternoon before increasing to 90% Sunday night. Forecast guidance indicates widespread rainfall totals between 1 and 3 inches, with locally higher amounts possible where thunderstorms repeatedly move across the same locations.
Drivers along Interstate 44, Highway 65, U.S. 60, and Route 13 should prepare for rapidly changing conditions. Wet pavement, reduced visibility, and water-covered roads may develop quickly during heavier storms. Plan extra travel time and remain alert for warnings.
The broader national weather pattern continues to favor flash flooding across parts of the Plains and Midwest. Springfield sits near the eastern edge of this active corridor, placing the Ozarks in a zone where repeated rounds of storms may occur through Sunday night.
Conditions begin improving Monday as rain chances decrease and temperatures cool into the upper 70s. Additional scattered showers remain possible Tuesday before a drier stretch develops by midweek.
Stay weather-aware Sunday and keep emergency alerts enabled. Additional watches or warnings could be issued with little notice if storms intensify.
Five Day Forecast for Springfield, Missouri
- Sunday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, high 87°F, 60% chance of rain.
- Monday: Chance of thunderstorms and showers, high 79°F.
- Tuesday: 30% chance of showers, high 80°F.
- Wednesday: Partly sunny, high 82°F.
- Thursday: Chance of showers and thunderstorms, high 81°F.
Long-range outlooks continue to favor warmer-than-normal temperatures returning across Missouri later next week.
