Springfield, Missouri – Temperatures will plunge below freezing within hours across southern Missouri, putting early-season crops and backyard gardens at risk before sunrise Saturday.
According to the National Weather Service in Springfield, a Freeze Warning is in effect from 1 a.m. to 9 a.m. Saturday, with overnight lows dropping to between 27°F and 32°F across much of the Ozarks. The coldest pockets are expected in rural valleys and low-lying areas, where frost can form quickly under clear skies and light winds.
Communities including Branson, Joplin, West Plains, and Rolla will all see subfreezing temperatures during this window. Gardeners and agricultural operations face the highest risk, especially for sensitive vegetation like budding fruit trees and early-planted crops. Even brief exposure to temperatures in the upper 20s can damage or kill unprotected plants.
Residents should cover outdoor plants, bring potted vegetation indoors, and disconnect or drain exposed garden hoses to prevent damage. Farmers are urged to take protective measures immediately, as the freeze window is short but impactful.
Temperatures will rebound quickly after 9 a.m. Saturday, but additional advisories could be issued if another cold snap develops early next week.
