Springfield, Missouri – A sharp burst of winter cold greets residents across southwest Missouri as Springfield wakes to frosty conditions and temperatures hovering near 19 degrees early Monday morning. Frost coats rooftops and parked cars, and a light breeze adds an extra bite to the air, especially on elevated roads and open stretches.
Cold Morning Gives Way to Sunshine
Despite the chilly start, conditions improve steadily through the day. Sunshine dominates the forecast, helping afternoon temperatures climb into the mid-40s. Roads remain mostly dry, though drivers are urged to stay alert for isolated icy patches on bridges and shaded curves during the early commute.
Transportation officials note that while widespread hazards are unlikely, the combination of overnight frost and cold pavement can still create slick spots before full warming sets in.
Tuesday Brings Noticeable Warm-Up
By Tuesday, winter loosens its grip on the Ozarks. Skies stay clear, winds calm, and daytime highs rise into the mid-50s, making it feel more like late fall than mid-December. Improved conditions are expected for outdoor errands and regional travel, with no precipitation concerns.
Meteorologists describe the shift as part of a broader temperature rebound affecting much of Missouri this week.
Midweek Turns Mild and Stable
Springfield enters a mild stretch by Wednesday, with afternoon highs approaching 58 degrees, well above seasonal averages. Clouds gradually increase Wednesday night, but rain chances remain low. Forecasters say these rapid temperature swings are typical during December as weather patterns remain active.
Thursday Weather Change to Watch
Thursday brings the next feature to monitor. Highs remain near 57 degrees, with a brief chance of early showers. Any rainfall is expected to be light and short-lived, clearing out quickly as skies brighten again. As temperatures fall after sunset, drivers should be cautious of potential refreezing on damp road surfaces overnight.
Weekend Outlook Favors Travel
Looking ahead to the weekend, warmth continues to build. Highs could reach the lower 60s by Saturday, creating favorable conditions for travel and outdoor plans ahead of the holiday season. While no snow threats appear imminent, forecasters caution that rapid warm-to-cool transitions remain possible later this month.
Five-Day Outlook for Springfield, MO
Today: Sunny after a cold morning, high near 46°F
Tuesday: Sunny and milder, high near 55°F
Wednesday: Mostly sunny, high near 58°F
Thursday: Chance of early showers, high near 57°F
Friday: Mostly sunny, high near 50°F
As temperatures rebound across southwest Missouri, residents are encouraged to stay weather-aware during early mornings and overnight hours when freezing conditions can still impact travel. Share your experiences in the comments below.
