SPRINGFIELD, MO — As holiday travel ramps up across Missouri, the National Weather Service (NWS) in Springfield is reminding drivers to stay alert and check updated weather forecasts before heading out this weekend. With a potential winter storm system tracking toward the central U.S., forecasters are urging travelers to plan around rapidly changing road and weather conditions.
In a Thursday morning post, the NWS shared step-by-step guidance for how to access local forecasts through weather.gov. The tool allows travelers to click their exact destination on an interactive map for detailed local weather conditions, including snowfall probabilities, wind speeds, and visibility changes.
Meteorologists say the timing of this developing system — arriving as millions return home Friday through Sunday — could mean hazardous driving across portions of Missouri, Illinois, and Iowa, especially north and east of Springfield. Some northern areas could see 4 to 8 inches of snow, while central regions face cold rain and gusty winds.
For southwest Missouri, including Springfield, Branson, and Lebanon, conditions should remain mostly dry Friday, with increasing clouds and rain chances late Saturday. Temperatures will hover in the mid-40s to near 50°F, but colder air could sweep in early next week, hinting at a possible December cold snap.
