Springfield, MO – Travelers heading back from Thanksgiving plans should be alert this weekend as portions of Missouri and southeast Kansas face a low-end chance of winter weather disruptions, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Springfield. The agency reports up to a 10% chance of travel impacts across southwest Missouri and southeast Kansas from Saturday through Sunday, with greater risks further north and east.
According to the National Weather Service, northern and eastern Missouri—including regions closer to Columbia, Jefferson City, and St. Louis—may experience higher probabilities of travel issues linked to snow or mixed precipitation. Forecast models continue to shift, leaving uncertainty around snow totals, the southern extent of the impact zone, and the likelihood of sleet or freezing rain.
A new NWS impact map highlights a broad area of elevated concern across Missouri, with some zones showing 20–40% chances of travel impacts and higher probabilities farther north toward Iowa and Illinois. Areas around Springfield, Joplin, and Branson currently remain in a lower-impact bracket but could still see hazardous conditions if the system shifts south.
Forecasters urge travelers to stay updated throughout the week as the storm track evolves. While confidence is growing in some form of winter weather over the weekend, key details—such as timing, precipitation type, and accumulation—remain uncertain.
Drivers planning long-distance trips through Missouri or Kansas should allow extra travel time, monitor road conditions, and check destination forecasts at weather.gov.
