Springfield, Missouri – Bitter cold started the week across southern Missouri as winter conditions returned, bringing subzero wind chills early Monday and setting the stage for a gradual warming trend later in the week.
According to the National Weather Service in Springfield, morning wind chills dropped between -5°F and -10°F across much of the region Monday. Air temperatures ranged from the upper 20s to low 30s, but gusty winds pushed apparent temperatures well below zero during the early morning hours.
In Springfield, wind chills reached around -10°F, while surrounding communities including Joplin, Lebanon, Rolla, and Branson reported wind chills in the single digits to near zero. Another cold night is expected Monday night into Tuesday morning, with wind chills again falling into the single digits to teens.
Despite the cold start, forecasters say a gradual warming trend will develop through midweek. Tuesday highs are forecast to climb into the upper 30s to mid-40s, followed by mostly sunny and warmer conditions Wednesday, with highs ranging from 46°F to 54°F across southern Missouri.
Thursday and Friday are expected to remain mostly dry, with increasing clouds Thursday and highs ranging from the low 40s to mid-50s by the end of the week. The warmest temperatures are expected across southeast Kansas and southern Missouri, according to the National Weather Service.
Cold weather safety remains a concern early in the week. Officials recommend limiting time outdoors, covering exposed skin, and bringing pets indoors during the coldest periods. Drivers are also encouraged to prepare vehicles for cold mornings.
Commuters, students, and outdoor workers felt the greatest impacts during early morning hours as wind chills remained dangerously low.
Residents are encouraged to monitor updated forecasts as temperatures rebound gradually toward near-normal levels later this week.
