Springfield, MO – A sharp December chill grips the air this morning as Missouri enters a fast-shifting early-winter pattern. Cold pavement, light haze, and a brisk north wind hint at bigger changes ahead, with Friday shaping up as a potential trouble spot for travel across the Ozarks. Drivers should prepare now for possible slick roads, brief visibility drops, and early hints of a snow-to-ice mix as temperatures fall close to freezing.
According to the National Weather Service, freezing fog remains possible in parts of the eastern Ozarks today, with visibility at times slipping below one mile. Moisture trapped near the surface could refreeze quickly on bridges, overpasses, and untreated roads. By Friday, colder air settles deeper across the region, creating prime conditions for a Winter Tease snowfall—light, but enough to slow travel during the afternoon and evening.
Temperatures climb into the mid-40s today before sliding back into the teens and 20s at night. That repeated freeze-thaw cycle raises the risk for flash-freezing, especially where melted frost refreezes on shaded roadways. Plan extra time for school pickups, errands, or late-day commuting.
Friday could bring the first meaningful chance of flakes this December. Current models hint at a narrow window when colder air undercuts lingering moisture, allowing light snow or a brief icy mix to develop. Amounts look minor for now, but even a dusting may create slick patches along Route 65, I-44, and neighborhood streets.
Looking Ahead (Five-Day Outlook):
• Friday: High near 46°, falling late; light snow chance by evening.
• Saturday: Mostly sunny, high 47°.
• Sunday: Mostly cloudy, high 40°.
• Monday: Sunny, high 44°.
• Tuesday: Mostly sunny, high near 50°.
