Honestly, if you've spent any time in the Ozarks, you know the weather has a mind of its own. One minute you're thinking about a light jacket, and the next, you’re digging through the hall closet for that heavy parka you swore you wouldn’t need.
Right now, Lebanon is sitting at a crisp 27°F.
It’s nighttime, and the sky is clear with just a few periodic clouds hanging around. If you’re heading out, keep in mind it feels more like 18°F thanks to a steady 8 mph wind coming in from the west. Humidity is hovering at 49%, so it’s that dry, biting cold that tends to sneak up on you.
Lebanon MO Weather Forecast: The Immediate Outlook
Basically, don't let the "clear skies" label fool you into thinking it's a mild night.
For the rest of today, Sunday, January 18, 2026, we’re looking at a high that capped out at 33°F and a low that's going to dip all the way down to 11°F. That is a serious jump. You might see a stray flurry—there’s about a 20% chance of snow overnight—but nothing that’s going to require a shovel.
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The wind is the real story here. It's shifting to the northwest at about 14 mph, which is going to make that 11-degree low feel even more intense.
What to Expect This Week
If you're planning your commute or a trip down to Bennett Spring, the historical patterns for January in Lebanon suggest we’re right in the thick of the "frigid" zone. Usually, our highs this time of year struggle to get past 41°F.
- Monday: Expect a continuation of the chill. Highs likely won't break the mid-20s.
- Mid-Week: We might see a slight "thaw" where temperatures crawl into the 40s, but it's temporary.
- The Weekend: Keep an eye on the local radar. Late January is notorious in Missouri for shifting from sunny skies to sudden "wintry mixes" that turn the backroads into ice rinks.
The Reality of Missouri Winters
Missouri weather isn't just "cold." It's erratic.
We live in a spot where Arctic air masses from the north frequently collide with moisture-rich air from the Gulf. This makes the lebanon mo weather forecast more of a suggestion than a rule sometimes. You've probably heard the old joke: "If you don't like the weather in Missouri, wait ten minutes."
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In 2026, we're seeing these swings become even more pronounced.
While the average January high is around 41°F, it's not uncommon to hit 60°F one day and wake up to 5°F the next morning. This "diurnal temperature range"—the gap between the day's high and night's low—can be as much as 20 or 30 degrees.
Surviving the Chill
If you're new to the area or just visiting, local experts (and anyone who's lived here more than a week) will tell you that layering is your only real defense.
- The Base: Start with something moisture-wicking.
- The Middle: Fleece or wool to trap that body heat.
- The Shell: A wind-resistant outer layer to block that 14 mph northwest wind.
Looking Ahead: Long-Range Trends
Looking at the broader data for Laclede County, we're currently in a period where precipitation is slightly below normal, but the "coldest periods" usually strike in late January and early February.
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While we aren't seeing a massive snowstorm on the immediate horizon for this specific week, the end of the month often brings the "frigid turn."
Historically, January 22nd is often cited as one of the coldest days of the year for our region. If you have outdoor projects or livestock to worry about, this is the window where you want to have your preparations finished.
Check your tire pressure. Cold snaps like this will trigger those "low pressure" sensors faster than you can find a gas station with a working air pump. Also, make sure your outdoor faucets are covered—that 11°F low tonight is exactly the kind of temperature that leads to burst pipes in older homes.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check your vehicle: Ensure your antifreeze levels are good and your battery is holding a charge; cold kills older batteries.
- Home Prep: Drip your faucets tonight as temperatures hit that 11°F low to prevent freezing.
- Pet Safety: Bring outdoor pets inside or ensure they have insulated, wind-blocked shelter for the overnight hours.