Springfield, Missouri – 35 mph wind gusts are increasing wildfire risk through Monday, with dry air and strengthening winds creating conditions for rapid fire spread across the Ozarks.
Dry conditions dominate this weekend, with relative humidity dropping as low as 15% to 25% Saturday afternoon and only modest recovery Sunday. Winds will remain lighter Saturday, generally 15 to 20 mph, but fire danger will remain elevated due to dry fuels across southwest Missouri.
According to the National Weather Service in Springfield, fire risk increases further Sunday and peaks Monday as southerly winds strengthen. Gusts are expected to reach 25 to 35 mph Sunday and could climb as high as 35 to 45 mph Monday, especially west of the U.S. 65 corridor, including areas near Joplin, Nevada, and Pittsburg, Kansas.
The combination of strong winds, low humidity, and warming temperatures—reaching the low to mid-80s Monday—will allow any fires to spread quickly across grasslands and wooded areas. Travel along I-44, U.S. 60, and U.S. 65 could be impacted by reduced visibility if fires develop nearby.
Residents should avoid outdoor burning, secure equipment that could spark, and avoid parking on dry grass. Even small sparks from vehicles or machinery could ignite fast-moving fires under these conditions.
Elevated fire danger will persist through Monday before a shift toward wetter conditions begins late Monday night into Tuesday, when rain chances increase and fire risk gradually decreases.
