SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Crisp, still air blankets the Ozarks this Halloween morning as temperatures dip near freezing, coating fields and rooftops with silvery frost. The chill marks the start of a colder pattern that could bring the region’s first hard freeze of the season by Sunday.
According to the National Weather Service in Springfield, a Frost Advisory remains in effect until 9 a.m. Friday for much of southwest Missouri, followed by a Freeze Watch late Saturday into early Sunday. Temperatures are expected to tumble into the upper 20s and low 30s by dawn Sunday, potentially ending the growing season across the Ozarks.
Residents are urged to protect sensitive vegetation and outdoor plumbing ahead of the weekend chill. Garden hoses should be disconnected, and pets brought indoors. Farmers and gardeners are advised to cover or harvest late crops before Saturday evening.
Friday will bring mostly sunny skies and light winds, with highs near 62°F before another quick cool-down after sunset. Saturday stays dry but chilly, topping out near 53°F before clear skies allow heat to escape rapidly after dusk. By Sunday morning, widespread frost and hard freezes are likely, especially north of I-44 and along open valleys from Bolivar to Eminence.
After the cold start, conditions moderate next week as southerly breezes return. Highs climb back into the 60s and low 70s by Tuesday—classic early November rebound weather before the next system approaches midweek.
Daylight Saving Time ends at 2 a.m. Sunday, giving residents an extra hour to check pipes, plants, and pets before the freeze sets in.
Five-Day Forecast for Springfield, MO:
Fri: 62/42 – Patchy frost early; sunny and cool.
Sat: 53/30 – Clearing skies; hard freeze risk late.
Sun: 55/39 – Frost early; bright, chilly afternoon.
Mon: 65/44 – Sunny; gradual warm-up begins.
Tue: 70/50 – Mild sunshine; light south wind returns.
