textproduct: Springfield

KEY MESSAGES

- A prolonged heat wave ahead Sunday through next week, with daily highs in the middle 90s to low 100s, and maximum heat index values around 100 to 105. Confidence is high in the likelihood of heat headlines next week, with Major (3 of 4) to Extreme (4 of 4) Heat Risk and WBGT risk expected across the area.

- Little to no rain chances over the next week, with hot and dry conditions amplifying a rapid onset drought across the area.

- Increasing confidence in above average temperatures to continue (70-80% chance) into mid September.

SHORT TERM /THROUGH TONIGHT/

Issued at 1216 PM CDT Sat Aug 29 2026

Continued warmer but otherwise quiet weather through tonight. Lows tonight will range from the mid 60s over south-central MO to the mid 70s northwest of I-44.

LONG TERM /SUNDAY THROUGH SATURDAY/

Issued at 1216 PM CDT Sat Aug 29 2026

Fairly similar conditions are expected Sunday through at least next Saturday as upper level ridging meanders across the midwest.

Precipitation: Little to none. 15-20% chances next Saturday.

Heat: In general, areas NW of I-44 should see the higher end of the temperature spectrum, but areas SE of I-44 will have higher humidity, so impacts will overall be similar across the area. Expected Daily highs in the mid 90s to low 100s. Look for heat index values of 100-105+. Heat Risk will be in the major to extreme categories. WBGT categories will be high to extreme. Heat headlines will likely be needed in the coming days. This is well supported by the NBM, ensembles, and ensemble tools.

For additional context, average highs in Late August to early September are in the mid 80s, so we will likely see temperatures of 10-15+ degrees above normal. Some records (see climate section) may be broken, but the current forecast keeps temperatures below records.

How long will the heat last? Ensemble guidance as CPC outlooks suggest possibly into the middle of September. This will continue our rapid onset drought conditions.

Fire weather concerns Sunday: Hot and dry conditions (minimum RH of 25-35%) and S/SW winds of 10-15 mph gusting to 15-25 mph (strongest along/west of I-49) may lead to elevated grassfire potential.

AVIATION /00Z TAFS THROUGH 00Z SUNDAY/

Issued at 600 PM CDT Sat Aug 29 2026

VFR conditions through the period with a few passing high clouds and no precipitation expected. Light winds vary between easterly and southerly.

CLIMATE

Issued at 205 PM CDT Thu Aug 27 2026

Record High Temperatures:

August 29: KJLN: 103/2000

August 30: KSGF: 101/2000 KJLN: 103/2000 KVIH: 99/2000

August 31: KSGF: 102/2000 KJLN: 105/2000 KVIH: 100/2000

September 1: KSGF: 102/2000 KJLN: 105/2000 KVIH: 99/1953 KUNO: 101/2000

September 2: KSGF: 101/2000 KJLN: 105/2000 KVIH: 99/1899 KUNO: 101/2000

September 3: KSGF: 102/2000 KJLN: 102/1954 KVIH: 100/1897

September 4: KJLN: 102/1954

Record High Minimum Temperatures:

August 30: KSGF: 73/2013 KJLN: 76/1945 KVIH: 75/1951

August 31: KSGF: 76/2011 KJLN: 80/2011 KVIH: 75/1980

September 1: KSGF: 77/1922 KJLN: 80/2011 KUNO: 74/1989 KVIH: 76/2011

September 2: KSGF: 76/1922 KJLN: 77/1961 KUNO: 73/1980 KVIH: 75/1898

SGF WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

KS...None. MO...None.