Springfield, MO – The National Weather Service in Springfield is warning of elevated fire danger Tuesday, November 11, as gusty southwest winds and dry air combine across southwest Missouri.
Forecasters say wind speeds could reach 30 to 40 mph, creating hazardous conditions for any outdoor burning. The highest fire danger is expected in the grasslands along the I-49 corridor and forested areas of the eastern Ozarks, where humidity levels will drop to around 30–40 percent. Officials are urging residents to avoid debris or brush burning and to report any fires immediately.
According to the NWS, this pattern follows a sharp cold spell earlier in the week, with temperatures now trending sharply warmer. A steady warming trend will take hold midweek, pushing highs from the 60s on Wednesday into the mid-70s by the weekend — roughly 10 to 20 degrees above normal for mid-November.
Dry conditions are expected to persist through at least Saturday, which could extend the elevated fire risk if winds remain strong. Fire management officials recommend continued caution even as temperatures rise.
