Springfield, Missouri – An extended stretch of unseasonably warm weather broke multiple long-standing temperature records in Springfield last week, including repeated all-time December highs.
According to the National Weather Service in Springfield, Springfield set or tied six daily temperature records between December 23 and December 28, with highs ranging from 73 to 77 degrees. The most notable days came on December 25 and December 27, when temperatures reached 77 degrees, tying the all-time December record high for the city.
On December 23, Springfield reached 73 degrees, breaking the previous daily record of 72 degrees set in 1964 and 1982. The following day, December 24, temperatures climbed to 75 degrees, surpassing the former record of 74 degrees from 1955. December 26 also saw a new daily record, with a high of 75 degrees, exceeding the previous mark of 68 degrees.
In addition to daytime highs, unusually warm overnight temperatures were recorded. On December 24, the low temperature of 57 degrees broke the previous warm low record of 54 degrees that had stood since 1889. Several other nights remained well above normal, contributing to the overall record-setting stretch.
The National Weather Service noted that records in Springfield date back to January 1, 1888, underscoring the rarity of the late-December warmth. Similar record-breaking temperatures were observed across the region, including Joplin and West Plains, where both daily and monthly records also fell.
Forecasters attribute the warmth to a persistent weather pattern that allowed mild air to dominate the central United States through the holiday period. While cooler conditions followed, temperatures are expected to moderate again heading into the New Year, though not to the same extreme levels.
For residents, commuters, and students, the unusual warmth provided a stark contrast to typical late-December conditions, highlighting how variable winter weather can be in the Ozarks.
