Missouri – Wind slides across quiet streets this morning, sharp and dry, carrying the first real warning of what’s building. Pavement looks harmless now, but that calm won’t last long as winter tightens its grip on southwest Missouri.
A Winter Storm Watch is in effect from Friday evening through Sunday morning for Springfield and much of southwest Missouri. A Cold Weather Advisory follows late Friday night into Saturday. The National Weather Service says periods of moderate to heavy snow are possible, with total accumulations between 3 and 8 inches, highest toward central Missouri but still impactful locally.
Snow is expected to begin Friday evening and continue through early Sunday. Travel could become very difficult, especially during the Friday evening commute and again Saturday night. Roads along I-44 and Highway 65 may turn slick quickly as temperatures drop into the single digits.
Cold air deepens the threat. Wind chills could plunge as low as 14 degrees below zero, increasing the risk of frostbite and hypothermia if drivers become stranded. Snow may still be falling while those dangerous wind chills peak, compounding safety concerns.
Saturday stays cold and snowy. Even brief lulls won’t help much, as daytime temperatures struggle near 14 degrees. Any snow that partially melts during daylight hours will refreeze fast after sunset, raising the risk of flash freezing on untreated roads, sidewalks, and parking lots.
Sunday brings gradual improvement, but conditions remain cold and unsettled. Very cold air lingers into early next week, while national outlooks hint at renewed precipitation chances across the central U.S.
Residents should prepare now. Delay unnecessary travel, keep winter survival kits in vehicles, and dress in layers. Check on neighbors and bring pets indoors.
Five-Day Outlook for Springfield, Missouri
- Today: Sunny, cold, high near 47°
- Friday: Increasing clouds, snow late, high near 25°
- Saturday: Snow likely, very cold, high near 14°
- Sunday: Chance of snow, high near 17°
- Monday: Sunny, still cold, high near 27°
