textproduct: Springfield

KEY MESSAGES

- A prolonged heat wave ahead today 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 200 AM CDT Sun Aug 30 2026

Today-Tonight: An upper-level ridge continues to build east towards the region today, with increasing mid-level heights. This will mark the beginning of the next heat wave overspreading the Ozarks, with highs in the middle to upper 90s. A few locations may approach 100 along and west of Interstate 49 corridor. Dewpoints gradually increase, though remain relatively "low" in the upper 50s to lower 60s. Maximum afternoon heat index values will be around 100 to 105 degrees.

Meanwhile, breezy south- southwest winds return through the afternoon, with minimal cloud cover. As mixing occurs this afternoon, relative humidity values are progged to drop to around 25 to 35%. This combination of hot, dry, and breezy conditions will set the stage for elevated grassfire conditions, particularly across the western half of the area with regards to grasslands and finer fuels.

Lows tonight fall into the upper 60s (east) to middle/upper 70s (west).

LONG TERM /MONDAY THROUGH SATURDAY/

Issued at 200 AM CDT Sun Aug 30 2026

Next Week: As we progress into Monday, the heat wave will continue to expand across the region. 850mb temperatures push towards 21 to 24 C, which is highly anomalously for late August. This will correlate to daily high temperatures in the middle to upper 90s, with a few locations towards the Interstate 49 corridor pushing 100. This pronounced heat wave will be characterized by temperatures 10 to 15+ degrees above normal for late August, in which average highs are typically in the middle 80s. There is the potential for some record temperatures as we progress through the week.

The well above normal temperatures and daily heat index values of 100 to 105+ degrees will be accompanied by minimal overnight relief with lows in the middle to upper 70s. The extent of the extreme heat is well captured by the NWS HeatRisk product, with widespread Major (3/4) to Extreme (4/4) Heat Risk over the area. This outlines the potential for heat- related impacts, with increasing concerns as the prolonged heat envelops the entire area. At this time, it appears the heat wave remains locked in place through at least next Friday or Saturday. However, some guidance suggest the heat persists even beyond the seven day forecast period, with WPC and CPC highlighting extreme heat over the central CONUS well into early/mid September. NBM interquartile temperatures spreads increase (5 to 10 degrees) beyond next weekend, though the signal is trending towards at least the western half of the area remaining in extreme heat.

Currently, the highest heat index values of 100 to 105+ degrees overspread the area Tuesday through Friday. This time period is when dewpoints are progged to be highest, in the middle to upper 60s. With increasing confidence, heat headlines will likely be needed as we meet criteria of greater than 100 degree heat index values for 4 or more consecutive days. Check back for updates early this week.

This period of extreme heat will be dry with no mentionable PoPs in the forecast through much of the upcoming week. The extent and coverage of this heat wave will further amplify drought conditions over the area, with D1 and D2 now in effect for portions of southeast KS and southwest MO. CPC continues to highlight concerns for a rapid onset drought.

AVIATION /06Z TAFS THROUGH 06Z MONDAY/

Issued at 1145 PM CDT Sat Aug 29 2026

High confidence in VFR flight conditions through the period. A few high level clouds, otherwise mostly clear skies expected. Southeast winds overnight, becoming more south-southwest on Sunday afternoon at 5 to 15 knots.

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.