Springfield weather is basically a mood ring. If you don't like it, wait five minutes, right? Honestly, that old Ozarks cliché feels pretty real tonight. Right now, it’s a crisp 12°F outside. But here's the kicker: with that northwest wind pushing through at 8 mph, the "feels like" temperature is sitting at a brutal -0°F.
It's cold. Really cold.
The sky is clear, which sounds nice until you realize that means there’s no cloud blanket to keep the heat in. We’re looking at a low of 9°F tonight. If you've got plans to be out late near the downtown square or walking from a parking lot at Missouri State, you’ve gotta bundle up. This isn't just "light jacket" weather.
Breaking Down the Immediate Forecast
Today was actually somewhat productive for January. We hit a high of 29°F. It was sunny for a good chunk of the day, though we did see about a 25% chance of snow flurries earlier this afternoon. That's typical Springfield—sunshine and snowflakes competing for attention in the same hour.
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As we move into the overnight hours, things stay dry. The precipitation chance has dropped to 0%. Humidity is hovering around 56%, which is low enough that you'll probably be reaching for the lip balm by morning.
| Metric | Current Status (Night) |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 12°F |
| Wind Chill | -0°F |
| Wind | 8 mph NW |
| Conditions | Clear |
What Most People Get Wrong About January in the Ozarks
People often think Springfield just stays frozen all winter. That’s not quite how it works. Our weather is shaped by the terrain. Being on the Springfield Plateau means we get these sharp temperature swings when cold fronts roll off the plains.
Today’s west wind at 12 mph kept things feeling biting even when the sun was out. Looking ahead to Sunday, the National Weather Service in Springfield is actually watching for a bit of a "warm-up" before the next cold front hits. We might see the low 40s tomorrow afternoon, which will feel like a tropical vacation compared to tonight's single digits.
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But don't get too comfortable. Another front is expected to slide through Sunday night, dropping us back into the teens. It's a roller coaster. You’ve basically got to keep your ice scraper and your sunglasses in the front seat at all times.
Fire Weather? In the Middle of Winter?
This is the part that surprises people. Even though it's freezing, there's a legitimate concern for elevated fire weather conditions on Sunday.
How does that happen when it's this cold?
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- Low Humidity: The air is incredibly dry, with levels potentially dipping into the 20% range.
- Strong Winds: We’re expecting gusts up to 30 mph tomorrow.
- Cured Vegetation: All the grass and brush is dormant and dry.
Basically, one stray spark near a fence line can start a brush fire that moves faster than you’d expect. The I-44 corridor is specifically mentioned as a zone where these "red flag" conditions could pop up for a few hours tomorrow afternoon.
Practical Steps for the Next 24 Hours
First off, check your pipes. When the actual air temperature hits 9°F, those exterior walls get cold fast. Open your cabinet doors and let the warm air circulate.
If you're driving, be wary of patchy spots. We had some flurries earlier, and even though the chance of snow is zero tonight, anything that melted on the road during the 29-degree "heat" of the day could refreeze into black ice now that we're at 12°F.
Actionable Insights:
- Layers are non-negotiable: With a wind chill of -0°F, exposed skin can get frostbitten faster than you think.
- Pet Safety: If it's too cold for you, it's definitely too cold for the dog. Bring them in.
- Fire Safety: Avoid any outdoor burning on Sunday. Those 30 mph gusts are no joke.
- Monitor the Front: Keep an eye on the Sunday evening transition; the temperature will drop rapidly after sunset.
The weather forecast Springfield MO is calling for a steady, cold night followed by a windy, dry Sunday. Stay warm and keep an eye on those wind speeds if you're heading out toward the lakes or open fields tomorrow.