Missouri — Cold air settles deep across the Ozarks as stars fade behind thin clouds. Breath turns visible with each step outside. Winter is pressing hard across southwest Missouri, and conditions are set to worsen quickly.
A Cold Weather Advisory is in effect from midnight through 10 a.m. Saturday for Springfield and surrounding counties. Wind chills are expected to plunge as low as 12 below zero, creating a real risk of frostbite and hypothermia. Even short exposure can become dangerous.
Today stays mostly cloudy with scattered flurries developing later in the day. Accumulation remains light, but slick spots may form on untreated roads. High temperatures struggle to reach 25 degrees, well below normal for late January.
The real punch arrives tonight. Arctic air pours south, dropping temperatures to around 4 degrees. Winds increase, driving wind chills down into the single digits below zero by early Saturday. Any melting during daylight may flash freeze, especially on bridges and shaded roads.
Saturday brings sunshine but no real warmth. Highs reach only 21 degrees, while wind chills stay near zero much of the day. Outdoor plans should be brief. Dress in layers, cover exposed skin, and limit time outside.
Saturday night remains cold, though winds ease slightly. Lows fall near 7 degrees. Sunday finally offers improvement, with more sun and highs climbing toward 35 degrees. A gradual warm-up continues into early next week, easing stress on roads, pipes, and people.
Meteorologists continue tracking broader winter patterns across the central U.S. While snow chances stay limited locally, cold remains the dominant threat through the weekend.
Residents should check on elderly neighbors, protect pets, and drip faucets where needed. Travel cautiously during the coldest hours, especially early mornings.
Five-Day Outlook: Springfield, MO
Friday: Cloudy, flurries possible, high 25
Saturday: Sunny but very cold, high 21
Sunday: Partly sunny, high 35
Monday: Sunny, high 49
Tuesday: Chance of showers, high 47
