Springfield, MO – Residents across southwest Missouri are urged to use caution outdoors today as the National Weather Service (NWS) in Springfield warns of elevated fire danger due to gusty southerly winds and dry conditions.
According to the NWS, winds are expected to reach 25 to 35 mph, with the strongest gusts occurring along and west of Highway 65. Combined with unseasonably warm temperatures in the low to mid-70s and low humidity, conditions are favorable for erratic fire spread if any ignition occurs.
Officials advise avoiding outdoor burning or activities that could cause sparks, such as parking vehicles on dry grass or using equipment without spark arrestors. “Outside burning is discouraged except by experienced fire personnel,” the agency noted in its Tuesday morning update.
The warm, windy pattern will continue through Saturday, forecasters said, with daytime highs in the upper 60s to mid-70s and lows in the 40s and 50s. A weak system may bring a slight chance of rain late Thursday, though it is not expected to ease the fire risk significantly.
Residents are encouraged to secure loose outdoor items and use caution when driving high-profile vehicles in strong crosswinds.
