Springfield, Missouri – A sharp overnight chill settled across the Ozarks early Friday, with temperatures hovering in the low to mid-20s as frost coated rooftops, lawns, and parked cars. The cold start signals a firm arrival of early-winter air, but forecasters say Springfield is about to step into a noticeably milder stretch with sunshine dominating the days ahead.
What the National Weather Service Says About the Cold Start
Meteorologists at the National Weather Service in Springfield noted that Friday morning brought lows near 20–24°F, particularly across open valleys and rural corridors. Light winds allowed temperatures to fall quickly before sunrise, creating pockets of dense patchy fog along Route 60, I-44, and other low-lying roads.
The early-morning frost risk remains in place through the weekend. Drivers out before dawn may encounter reduced visibility and slick spots where moisture refreezes, especially on bridges and shaded curves near Branson, Lebanon, and the western Ozarks.
Weekend Warmup Brings Sunshine and Near-50°F Highs
A calmer pattern settles in through Saturday, giving Springfield a brief break from sharp winter air. Forecasters expect sunshine through much of the weekend, with highs rising into the upper 40s to around 50°F both Friday afternoon and Saturday.
Winds turn light out of the southwest, adding to the mild feel during the daytime. Even so, nights will stay below freezing, with lows in the low 20s allowing frost and light fog to reform before sunrise each morning.
Sunday Brings a Cooler Shift but Dry Conditions
Clouds expand on Sunday, muting some of the warmth but keeping conditions seasonable. Highs settle near 43°F, close to early-December averages for southwest Missouri. Roads remain dry, yet refreezing moisture may still create isolated slick patches at dawn.
For holiday shoppers and travelers heading toward nearby towns or the Lake of the Ozarks region, the overall weather story remains cooperative: no precipitation and manageable temperatures for at least two more days.
Early Next Week: Sunshine Returns, Then a Jump to the 50s
Monday features another crisp but tranquil day, with sunny skies and highs near 42°F. Light breezes will keep the air feeling cool, but the region avoids any major winter hazards.
By Tuesday, a midweek warmup pushes temperatures into the low to mid-50s, offering the mildest day of the upcoming period. Outdoor projects, travel, and events should all benefit from the calmer pattern.
Watching the Pattern for Mid-December Changes
Forecasters are monitoring a developing Arctic surge expected across the northern Plains and western Midwest between December 11–17. If the cold front dives far enough south, the Ozarks could see another sharp temperature drop late next week.
While it’s too early to pinpoint impacts, weather experts note this pattern may affect holiday travel, especially for those driving long distances on I-44 or heading toward Kansas City, St. Louis, or northern Missouri.
Five-Day Weather Outlook for Springfield
Friday: 48/30 – Sunny with a cold morning start and a mild afternoon.
Saturday: 50/34 – Mostly sunny with calm winds.
Sunday: 43/20 – Partly cloudy; seasonable chill.
Monday: 42/29 – Mostly sunny with a crisp feel.
Tuesday: 54/34 – Warmer midweek stretch with pleasant conditions.
