I-44 – A late-night wintry mix may create slick travel conditions after midnight in the Springfield area, according to the National Weather Service.
According to the National Weather Service in Springfield, there is a 20–30% chance of a light wintry mix developing overnight after midnight Tuesday into early Wednesday. The precipitation type could include flurries or patchy freezing drizzle, particularly across portions of southwest Missouri.
If precipitation develops, forecasters say it is expected to be light and patchy in nature, with any snow producing minor accumulations at most, generally limited to a dusting. Despite the low accumulation potential, freezing drizzle poses a higher travel risk, especially on bridges, overpasses, and untreated roadways along major corridors such as I-44, US-65, I-49, and MO-13.
Temperatures overnight are expected to fall into the upper teens to lower 20s, allowing any drizzle that develops to freeze on contact. The National Weather Service advises drivers to exercise caution if traveling overnight or early Wednesday morning, reducing speeds and allowing extra stopping distance.
Beyond the overnight travel concern, the broader forecast shows cooler temperatures Tuesday and Wednesday, followed by a warming trend later in the week into the weekend. High temperatures are expected to climb into the 50s and 60s by Friday, with above-normal temperatures favored heading into Saturday.
The overnight timing may be especially relevant for early-morning commuters, overnight workers, and students traveling before sunrise Wednesday, when slick spots are most likely to be present.
Drivers are encouraged to monitor updated forecasts and road conditions, as even brief periods of freezing drizzle can cause localized hazardous travel despite minimal snowfall.
