SPRINGFIELD, MO – The trees bend in the gusty pre-dawn wind as the Missouri Ozarks wake to 30 mph gusts and dropping temperatures. A strong northwest breeze is sweeping through Springfield and Branson, signaling the start of a colder, calmer stretch to come.
The National Weather Service reports winds shifting northwest by midday, gusting up to 35 mph, before easing into Wednesday evening. Drivers along Highway 60 and I-44 should be prepared for crosswinds and patchy visibility on rural routes, especially where dust and debris are blowing across open fields.
Behind the front, temperatures will tumble from the upper 40s today to overnight lows near 29°F, with a cool, dry air mass locking in through the weekend. Thursday and Friday will stay mostly sunny, but highs will struggle to reach the upper 40s, and by Saturday, morning lows could fall into the teens.
Meteorologists warn that wind chills may dip into the single digits by late Friday night, making it feel like the season’s first real taste of winter. Residents are encouraged to secure loose items, check space heaters, and layer up before heading out in the brisk morning air.
Five-Day Outlook (Springfield, MO):
- Thursday: Sunny, high 55°F, low 39°F.
- Friday: Mostly sunny, high 48°F, low 25°F.
- Saturday: Mostly sunny, high 49°F, low 16°F.
- Sunday: Mostly sunny, high 35°F, low 21°F.
- Monday: Mostly cloudy, high 42°F, low 33°F.
