Springfield, Missouri – Cold weather will continue across southwest Missouri through the end of the week, with another strong cold front expected to push temperatures back below zero by Saturday morning.
According to the National Weather Service in Springfield, dry conditions are expected to persist through the workweek, allowing for a brief warmup midweek before colder air returns. High temperatures today and Wednesday are forecast to range from the low to upper 30s, with overnight lows dipping into the single digits and teens.
A reinforcing cold front is expected to move into the region late Friday and Friday night, bringing a sharp drop in temperatures. Forecast lows by Saturday morning are expected to fall into the single digits above and below zero, marking one of the coldest periods of the week.
Communities affected include Springfield, Joplin, Branson, Rolla, Lebanon, and West Plains. Motorists traveling along Interstate 44, U.S. Highway 65, U.S. Highway 60, Interstate 49, and U.S. Highway 63 may notice rapidly changing conditions as temperatures plunge overnight.
While no significant snowfall is currently forecast, the extreme cold alone can pose risks. Vehicles may struggle to start, exposed pipes could freeze, and prolonged outdoor exposure increases the risk of frostbite and hypothermia.
The National Weather Service urges residents to continue cold-weather precautions, including protecting pipes, bringing pets indoors, and dressing in multiple warm layers. Space heaters should be used cautiously and kept away from flammable materials.
Students, early-shift workers, and commuters traveling before sunrise Saturday may face the most severe conditions as temperatures bottom out.
Forecasters note that after the coldest air settles in Saturday morning, temperatures should slowly recover later in the weekend, though conditions will remain well below seasonal averages.
Residents are encouraged to monitor updated forecasts as the late-week cold front approaches and final temperature details become clearer.
