Springfield, Missouri – A late-summer heat wave is settling over the Missouri Ozarks and extreme southeast Kansas, sending afternoon highs into the upper 90s through Sunday and raising concerns for heat-related health risks and power demand.
According to the National Weather Service in Springfield, dry and sunny conditions will dominate the region starting Wednesday, with highs ranging from 87°F to 91°F before surging into the 92°F to 98°F range by Thursday. Overnight lows will stay relatively mild, hovering in the 60s.
Residents in Springfield, Joplin, West Plains, and Pittsburg, Kansas, should prepare for long stretches of sun and heat with little overnight relief. Officials advise staying hydrated, limiting outdoor activity during peak heat hours (2–5 p.m.), and checking on vulnerable neighbors and pets. While the skies remain mostly clear, the risk of heat exhaustion and strained utilities rises each day.
This stretch of dry, hot weather mirrors late-season patterns seen in 2021, when the region endured five straight days above 95°F. While no rain is expected, residents should remain alert for updates if air quality issues or burn bans are issued.
Hot and dry conditions are expected to continue into early next week, with updated advisories possible if the heat index climbs above 100°F.
