Missouri — Headlights glow through dense fog as moisture clings to windshields and roads across the Ozarks early this morning. A thin glaze of ice may form quickly, even where pavement looks only damp.
Freezing drizzle remains possible through the morning and into early afternoon, especially north and east of Springfield. Temperatures hover near 32 degrees, creating a narrow margin for ice. Untreated roads, bridges, and parking lots could turn slick fast. Patchy fog further reduces visibility, adding another layer of travel risk.
Drivers should slow down and leave extra space, especially on Highway 65, I-44, and rural roads. Conditions may change block by block. This is a classic early December setup where light precipitation creates outsized impacts.
Colder air pushes in later today. Winds shift north, and temperatures fall steadily through evening. Any moisture left behind may flash-freeze as readings drop into the teens. Wind chills sink toward zero by Sunday morning, signaling a sharp Winter cold snap.
Sunday turns sunny but remains bitter. Highs struggle to reach the upper 20s, and brisk winds keep it feeling colder. Sidewalks and shaded roads may stay icy despite the sunshine. Keep winter coats, gloves, and hats ready if heading out.
By Monday, the pattern flips. Sunshine returns, and temperatures rebound into the mid-40s. That warming trend continues into Tuesday and Wednesday, with highs climbing into the upper 50s and lower 60s. Melting ice during the day could refreeze after dark, so evening travel still needs caution.
Meteorologists continue tracking this rapid warm-to-cold transition as winter tightens its grip. Early-season ice events often cause the most accidents. Take it slow this morning, and stay alert to changing conditions.
