Joplin, MO – The National Weather Service in Springfield has issued a Wind Advisory for parts of southwest Missouri and southeast Kansas through 1 p.m. CDT on Wednesday, October 29, 2025. Residents can expect strong northwest winds and potentially hazardous travel conditions across the region.
The Advisory and Affected Areas
According to the National Weather Service (NWS), the advisory is in effect for several counties in both Missouri and Kansas. In Kansas, the warning includes Bourbon, Cherokee, and Crawford Counties. In Missouri, it covers Barton, Jasper, Newton, McDonald, and Vernon Counties.
Cities impacted include Joplin, Pittsburg, Nevada, Lamar, and Carthage, where conditions are expected to remain windy through early afternoon.
The NWS warned of sustained northwest winds between 20 and 25 mph, with gusts reaching up to 45 mph. These strong gusts could result in blowing debris, downed tree limbs, and isolated power outages.
Forecast and Weather Conditions
Meteorologists report that the gusty winds are associated with a cold front moving through the region. Behind it, cooler and drier air will settle in by early afternoon, allowing wind speeds to gradually decrease later in the day.
The strongest winds are expected during the morning hours, with gradual improvement as the afternoon progresses. Residents can anticipate temperatures dropping and clearer skies as the front passes through.
“Winds will be strongest late morning, especially in open areas,” the NWS Springfield office said in its forecast discussion. “Drivers of high-profile vehicles should use extra caution on exposed highways.”
Safety Precautions for Residents
Officials urge residents to secure outdoor objects that could be blown away, such as patio furniture, trash bins, or holiday decorations.
Travelers should exercise caution, especially on east-west oriented roads where crosswinds can affect handling. The NWS also advises truck drivers and RV operators to be particularly careful when driving on open highways.
Those working outdoors should remain alert for falling branches or flying debris, and power companies are reminding customers to report any downed power lines immediately.
Background: Wind Advisories in Fall
Wind advisories are common in the Missouri-Kansas region during the fall season as changing temperatures and shifting pressure systems bring stronger gusts. Such conditions can create challenges for farmers, transportation crews, and utility providers preparing for cooler weather patterns heading into November.
While these winds typically ease within hours, the combination of dry air and strong gusts can occasionally raise concerns about grass fires, especially in open rural areas.
Outlook and What’s Next
Forecasters expect winds to diminish by early afternoon, dropping below advisory levels as the cold front continues to move southeast. By evening, conditions should become calmer, with temperatures falling into the mid-40s overnight.
The next few days are expected to remain cool and dry, with light winds and clear skies dominating the weekend outlook.
Conclusion
The National Weather Service encourages residents across southwest Missouri and southeast Kansas to remain cautious through early afternoon as winds continue to gust up to 45 mph. Conditions will gradually improve later today as cooler, calmer weather moves in behind the front.
What are your local conditions like today? Share your updates and experiences in the comments below.
