Missouri — Clear skies stretch over the Ozarks this morning, sunlight spilling across quiet fields and cooling rooftops as Thanksgiving travelers head out early. It’s a crisp, calm start to the holiday stretch — the kind of day that makes long drives and family plans easier before the next weather shift begins.
According to the National Weather Service in Springfield, Thanksgiving Day will be sunny and seasonably mild, with highs near 48°F and light northwest winds. Travel along I-44, U.S. 65, and Highway 60 will stay smooth through Thursday night, making for ideal conditions for family gatherings and early shopping trips.
But forecasters are already tracking a wet change building in from the west. By Friday night, a system will spread steady rain across southern Missouri, lasting through Saturday. Temperatures stay in the 40s, but cooler air filtering in from the north could mix in light snow late Saturday night into Sunday, especially across higher elevations north and east of Springfield. While major accumulation isn’t expected, slick spots could develop in rural areas by early Sunday morning.
Sunday turns colder and mostly cloudy, with highs near 38°F — a sign of what’s coming next. Models hint at a strong Arctic front diving south by December 1–3, bringing below-normal temperatures and the potential for heavier snow across parts of the Central U.S.
For now, residents can enjoy a quiet Thanksgiving, but it’s wise to prepare for colder, wetter weather as December approaches — winter is knocking a bit early this year.
Five-Day Outlook (Wed–Sun)
• Today: Sunny, 44°F.
• Thursday: Sunny, 48°F.
• Friday: Mostly sunny, 48°F; rain late.
• Saturday: Rain, 46°F.
• Sunday: Cloudy, 38°F.
