If you've spent more than a week in the Ozarks, you know the drill. One minute it's a balmy afternoon, and the next, you’re scraping a layer of sleet off your windshield because a cold front decided to drop in unannounced. Honestly, the weather forecast for Fort Leonard Wood Missouri for this mid-January stretch is a perfect example of that Missouri moodiness.
Right now, as of Thursday night, January 15, 2026, things are actually pretty quiet, but don't let the 37°F current temperature fool you. With a southwest wind moving at 10 mph, the real feel is hovering closer to 30°F. If you're heading out for a late shift or just taking the dog for a quick lap, it’s biting.
The Immediate Outlook: Sun, Clouds, and That Typical Ozark Chill
Today, Thursday, peaked at a modest 38°F under mostly cloudy skies. As we transition into the night, the clouds are clearing out, which sounds nice until you realize that clear skies in January usually mean the heat is escaping straight into space. We’re looking at a low of 19°F tonight.
Friday, January 16, brings a slight bump in the mercury. You’ll see a high of 43°F. It’ll be cloudy again, but the real story is the wind. A 14 mph gust from the west is going to make that 43°F feel a lot more like "I should have worn the heavier coat."
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The Weekend Rollercoaster
Saturday is where things get interesting—and by interesting, I mean cold.
The high for January 17 is only expected to reach 21°F. That’s it. And with a 15 mph wind coming from the northwest, it’s going to be a "stay inside and drink cocoa" kind of day. There’s a 20% chance of some light snow during the day, so watch the roads if you’re heading toward St. Robert or Waynesville. Saturday night drops even further to a frigid 13°F.
Sunday, January 18, clears up with some sunshine, pushing the high back up to 38°F, but the overnight low stays stuck at 13°F. Basically, if you have outdoor plans, Sunday afternoon is your only real window before the temperature craters again.
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Looking Ahead: A Messy Mid-Week
Monday stays chilly with a high of 24°F, but Tuesday, January 20, sees a significant warm-up. We’re talking 44°F and sunny. It’s the kind of day that makes you think spring is coming, but this is Missouri—don't trust it.
Sure enough, Wednesday, January 21, brings rain and snow. The high hits a relatively warm 47°F, which sounds great until the sun goes down and the precipitation turns into snow showers with a low of 31°F. This pattern of light snow and mixed precipitation continues through Thursday and Friday, with highs in the upper 30s.
Survival Tips for the Fort Leonard Wood Winter
Missouri winter isn't just about the temperature; it’s about the humidity and the wind. January in this part of the state often sees humidity levels around 87%, which makes the cold feel like it’s soaking right into your bones.
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- Layers are your best friend. Don't just wear one giant coat. Wear a base layer that wicks moisture, a fleece or sweater for insulation, and then a wind-resistant outer shell.
- Vehicle Prep. Keep your gas tank at least half full. This prevents moisture from freezing in your fuel lines. Also, check your battery; cold weather is notorious for killing batteries that were "just fine" in the fall.
- Pipe Protection. With those overnight lows dipping into the teens (13°F this Sunday!), let your faucets drip just a tiny bit. It keeps the water moving and helps prevent a disaster under your sink.
The weather forecast for Fort Leonard Wood Missouri shows we are right in the thick of the "frigid" season. While the snow chances are currently low (ranging from 10% to 40% over the next ten days), the temperature swings are the real hazard.
Stay updated by checking the National Weather Service out of Springfield or keeping an eye on local alerts if you're traveling the I-44 corridor. Winter in the Ozarks is rarely predictable, but being prepared for those 20-degree drops makes a world of difference.
Actionable Next Steps:
Check your car's emergency kit tonight—ensure you have a scraper, a warm blanket, and a flashlight with fresh batteries before the Saturday temperature drop. If you have outdoor pets, ensure their water isn't frozen and they have extra bedding for the 13°F nights ahead.