Missouri – Headlights glow through thick mist as cold air presses low to the ground, blurring roads and softening sound. It feels like deep winter early, but change is already moving in as the first full week of 2026 unfolds across the Ozarks.
According to the National Weather Service in Springfield, dense fog and mist linger this morning with temperatures in the mid-20s. Visibility drops in spots, especially along rural highways and low-lying roads. Slick patches remain possible where moisture freezes on untreated pavement.
Conditions improve by late morning as fog lifts and sunshine breaks through. Highs reach the low 50s today, a noticeable rebound from the early chill. Even so, drivers should stay alert on Highway 60 and U.S. 65, where shaded areas may remain damp longer.
A stronger warm-up arrives Monday. Sunshine pushes highs into the mid-60s, quickly melting leftover frost. That melt-and-refreeze cycle raises flash-freeze concerns after dark, even without snow. Plan extra braking distance during the evening commute.
Tuesday stays mild and bright, again topping out near 66. Wednesday follows with similar warmth, making it feel more like March than January. For now, winter weather stays quiet locally, though meteorologists continue tracking heavier snow potential later this month across the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes.
Changes arrive midweek. Clouds thicken Wednesday night, and rain chances increase Thursday. While no wintry precipitation is expected, wet pavement could slow travel during peak hours. Keep headlights on and allow extra time if showers develop.
Daylight steadily improves. By late January, Springfield gains nearly 40 additional minutes of sunlight, easing the long winter mornings.
Driving through fog or feeling the warm-up already? Let us know what conditions look like near you.
Five-Day Outlook for Springfield, Missouri
- Today: Partly sunny after fog, high near 51°F
- Monday: Sunny, high near 66°F
- Tuesday: Sunny, high near 66°F
- Wednesday: Partly sunny, high near 65°F
- Thursday: Chance of showers, high near 61°F
