Springfield, MO – Residents across Missouri and the Ozarks could be in for a noticeably milder holiday season, as forecasters project above-normal temperatures during Christmas week, according to the National Weather Service in Springfield.
According to the National Weather Service, there is an 81% probability that temperatures from Sunday, December 22 through Saturday, December 28 will run warmer than normal across southern Missouri. Forecast guidance suggests daily temperatures could average 10 to 15 degrees above seasonal norms, a significant departure from typical late-December conditions.
The outlook covers much of the Missouri Ozarks, including Springfield, Branson, Joplin, Rolla, West Plains, and surrounding communities, as well as parts of eastern Kansas, northern Arkansas, and southern Illinois. Normal high temperatures for the region typically range from 42 to 47 degrees, with overnight lows between 25 and 28 degrees, but many days next week could exceed those benchmarks.
The Climate Prediction Center’s outlook shows only a 3% chance of below-normal temperatures, with a 16% chance of near-normal readings, reinforcing confidence in a warmer-than-average pattern heading into Christmas.
While the temperature outlook favors mild conditions, officials caution that precipitation details remain uncertain, and residents should continue to monitor daily forecasts for rain chances and any potential travel impacts during the busy holiday week.
Warmer temperatures could benefit holiday travel and outdoor plans but may also reduce the likelihood of a white Christmas across much of Missouri. Forecasters note that temperature trends can still fluctuate, particularly if weather systems shift closer to the region.
