Springfield, Missouri – Rain will ramp up across the Ozarks by late Saturday night, with up to an 85 percent chance of precipitation that could create ponding on I-44 and US-65 through Sunday night.
According to the National Weather Service in Springfield, an active early March pattern will favor multiple rounds of rain from Saturday night through at least Thursday. The first wave arrives late Saturday, with widespread precipitation expected to continue into Sunday night. Areas north of Highway 54 may see periods of wintry precipitation, while most of southwest Missouri and southeast Kansas remain rain-dominant.
Drivers along I-44 from Joplin to Lebanon should prepare for reduced visibility and water-covered roadways during heavier downpours. Low-lying stretches of US-65 south of Springfield and Route 60 toward Republic could experience minor flooding if rainfall rates increase.
Rain chances remain elevated Monday night through Thursday, with daily precipitation probabilities ranging between 40 and 80 percent. While exact rainfall totals remain uncertain, repeated rounds raise concerns for localized flooding, especially in flood-prone areas and near small creeks.
Residents should clear storm drains, avoid driving through water-covered roads and monitor daily updates as timing and intensity become clearer. Those living near streams should review flood safety plans now.
Temperatures will fluctuate through the period, and stronger storms cannot be ruled out depending on how each system evolves. Additional watches or advisories may be issued as confidence increases in rainfall amounts and potential impacts.
