Joplin weather is a fickle beast. Honestly, if you've lived in the Four States area for more than a week, you know the drill. One minute you're wearing a light jacket at a Missouri Southern game, and the next, you’re digging through the hall closet for that heavy parka because an arctic blast decided to drop by unannounced.
Right now, we're staring down a classic January stretch.
As of Saturday morning, January 17, 2026, the current Joplin MO weather forecast is sitting at a crisp 26°F. But that number is a total lie. Thanks to a 10 mph wind coming out of the southwest, it actually feels like 16°F out there. It’s sunny, sure, but it’s that deceptive kind of sun that doesn't actually provide any warmth.
The Immediate Outlook: Shivering Through the Weekend
If you were planning on doing anything outdoors today, maybe reconsider. Or at least layer up. We're looking at a high of 31°F today, with the mercury expected to bottom out at a bone-chilling 11°F tonight.
Winds are shifting too.
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They’re coming from the west at about 19 mph, which is enough to make the air bite. There’s a tiny 15% chance of snow flurries during the day, though nothing that should require a shovel. Basically, it’s just going to be cold and windy.
Sunday, January 18, offers a bit of a "warm" reprieve. I use that term loosely because the high is only hitting 43°F. Still, compared to 31, it’ll feel like a tropical vacation. The low will drop back down to 13°F overnight, so keep those dripping faucets in mind if your pipes are prone to freezing.
The 10-Day Rollercoaster
Looking further out, Joplin is doing its usual routine. We’ve got a mix of cloudy days and sudden bursts of sunshine.
- Monday, Jan 19: Cloudy and cold. High of 26°F, low of 17°F.
- Tuesday, Jan 20: Sunny and much better. We jump up to 47°F.
- Wednesday, Jan 21: Mostly sunny with a high of 47°F.
- Saturday, Jan 24: This is the one to watch. There’s a 25% chance of snow with a high of 41°F and a low of 21°F.
Why Joplin Weather is So Unpredictable
Joplin sits in a weird geographical spot. We're right where the cold, dry air from the Great Plains slams into the warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico. It’s a recipe for drama.
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Most people think of Joplin and immediately go to the 2011 tornado. That’s understandable—it’s a part of our history that local experts like Doug Heady and others have documented extensively. But the day-to-day weather in the winter is its own kind of challenge.
Historically, January is our coldest month. We usually average a high of 45°F and a low of 27°F, but as you can see from this week's data, "average" doesn't mean much when a cold front hits. We’ve seen Januarys where it hits 60 degrees and others where the wind chill makes you wonder why humans ever settled in the Midwest.
Humidity and the "RealFeel" Factor
One thing travelers often miss about the Joplin MO weather forecast is the humidity. Even in the winter, our humidity levels hover around 40% to 50%. On Saturday, Jan 24, it's expected to climb to 68%.
High humidity in the winter makes the cold feel "wetter" and more piercing. It’s not that dry, crisp cold you get in the Rockies; it’s a damp cold that gets into your bones.
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Survival Tips for the Next 7 Days
Since we’re looking at lows in the teens and potential snow by next Saturday, here’s the game plan.
First, check your tire pressure. Cold snaps like this will trigger that annoying "low pressure" light on your dashboard faster than you can grab a coffee at 7-Eleven.
Second, if you’re heading out to Landreth Park or just walking the dog, cover your face. With wind chills hitting the single digits tonight, frostbite can happen faster than you'd expect on exposed skin.
Lastly, keep an eye on next Saturday's snow chance. While 25% isn't a guarantee, Joplin drivers and snow are a... let's call it a "complicated" relationship.
Actionable Insights for Joplin Residents:
- Winterize your vehicle: Check antifreeze levels and battery health today while it's sunny.
- Protect your home: Keep your thermostat at a consistent temperature to avoid stressing your HVAC during the 11°F overnight lows.
- Plan for Saturday: If you have travel plans for January 24, check the forecast again on Thursday to see if that 25% snow chance has trended upward.