SPRINGFIELD, MO – A stretch of warm fall weather is settling in across the Ozarks, bringing above-normal temperatures and an increased fire risk as the weekend weather unfolds. Highs are expected to soar into the low to mid-80s, with little to no rain expected, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Springfield.
Dry and Warm Conditions Expected This Weekend
Starting this Saturday, the Ozarks will experience temperatures ranging from 75°F to 83°F with mostly clear skies. A warmer Sunday is forecasted, with highs reaching near 86°F. Overnight lows will remain mild, generally in the 50s and lower 60s.
The weather pattern is expected to stay dry and above normal for the next several days, with minimal rainfall through early next week. The extended period of dryness, combined with persistent warmth, has heightened concerns about grass fires in the region, especially where vegetation has dried out due to limited rainfall over the past month.
Increased Fire Risk and Safety Concerns
With the warm and dry conditions, fire risk has become a top concern for local authorities. Emergency managers are urging residents to exercise caution when engaging in outdoor burning activities or using equipment that could potentially spark fires.
Motorists traveling along I-44 and Highway 65 should be particularly cautious, as smoke from any grass fires may reduce visibility, especially in rural areas. Additionally, gardeners and farmers are advised to irrigate their crops as soil moisture continues to drop in these dry conditions.
What’s Ahead: Warm Temperatures Through Next Week
According to NWS forecasters, the warm weather pattern is expected to persist into next week, with afternoon highs remaining 8 to 12 degrees above seasonal averages. While the weather remains pleasant, the prolonged warmth could continue to dry out vegetation, further elevating fire risks…