textproduct: Springfield

KEY MESSAGES

- Areas of patchy fog may impact areas mainly along and north of I-44 this morning. Visibilities below a mile may occur at times.

- Temperatures will range from the upper 80s northeast of Springfield to the 90s elsewhere through the rest of the week. The next chance of rain (10-20%) arrives Saturday.

SHORT TERM /THROUGH TONIGHT/

Issued at 132 AM CDT Thu Aug 20 2026

Satellite and radar early this morning had the storms that developed in south central Missouri having moved to the east. The upper level flow pattern remains northwesterly with a few weak shortwaves moving through the pattern. This will bring some cloud cover to the area, though high pressure north of the region will help keep things dry today.

Lingering moisture across the region, light northerly winds and clear skies along and north of I-44 this morning will help bring the potential for some patchy areas of fog this morning. Expectations are for periods of a mile or less at times, and a Dense Fog Advisory may be needed but will monitor conditions through the morning.

Thanks to the surface high north of the region, today is expected to by dry with a temperature gradient from northeast (Temps in the middle 80s) to southwest (temps in the middle 90s) with generally light northerly winds.

For tonight into Friday morning, a weak wave may be enough to bring a few showers to far southwestern Missouri but most locations will remain dry. Overnight temperatures will be in the middle 60s (northeast) to around 70 (southwest).

LONG TERM /FRIDAY THROUGH WEDNESDAY/

Issued at 132 AM CDT Thu Aug 20 2026

The upper level northwest flow pattern is forecast to remain in place through at least the weekend, and perhaps into early next week. With a decent 850mb temperature gradient possible, from southwest to northeast, the warmest temperatures should be west of Springfield. Highs in the mid/upper 90s are likely in these areas, especially locations where drought is increasing. Afternoon dewpoints continue to come in lower with middle to upper 60s. This is expected to keeping heat indicies at or below 100. The NWS Heat Risk tool shows mainly moderate levels with some increase to major by the end of the weekend and next week, most likely due to the prolonged heat.

Some slight rain potential is being hinted at (20 percent or less) for areas into the weekend and early next week. Ensembles continued to trended a little wetter, though depending on timing of waves moving down the northwest flow aloft may determine where rain does develop. If the ridge remains further west of the area, then precip chances would be less and more confined west of the area. Confidence remains low during this time frame but will keep watching the latest trends going forward.

AVIATION /12Z TAFS THROUGH 12Z FRIDAY/

Issued at 616 AM CDT Thu Aug 20 2026

Flight conditions across the region will be impacted by areas of fog this morning. Fog will impact KSGF and areas to the north and east through 15z this morning. Where fog doesn't occur expect VFR flight conditions. Flight conditions will improve area wide after 15z.

Otherwise, surface winds will be generally light and variable.

SGF WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

KS...None. MO...Dense Fog Advisory until 10 AM CDT this morning for MOZ055>058- 067>071-079>081.