SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — After a cooler weekend marking the start of winter, the Ozarks are heading into a quiet and milder week. According to meteorologist Nick Kelly, high pressure building to the east will bring a steady warming trend leading into Christmas week, keeping conditions mostly dry and comfortable.
Warm-Up Begins Monday
Morning temperatures on Monday will start in the mid to upper 30s, but a southerly breeze will help afternoon highs climb into the mid-50s to low 60s across much of the region.
Despite some morning cloud cover, Monday should remain dry and calm as high pressure continues to influence the area.
“Whether we start off cloudy or see some sunshine later in the day, we’ll be dry across the Ozarks,” Kelly said.
Mild and Dry Through Midweek
Tuesday will bring similar conditions with a few clouds early, followed by periods of sunshine. Stronger southerly winds and an upper-level ridge will drive temperatures even higher, with afternoon highs near 70°F.
By Christmas Eve, expect a continuation of this pattern with morning lows in the upper 50s and highs reaching around 73°F. Christmas Day will be warm and partly cloudy, with temperatures ranging from 60°F in the morning to around 73°F in the afternoon — just below the record of 74°F for the Springfield area.
“We may not quite set new record highs, but this Christmas will still rank among the top three or five warmest on record,” Kelly added.
Late-Week Storm Chances
After several dry days, the next storm system could arrive late Saturday afternoon, bringing isolated thunderstorms followed by scattered showers overnight into Sunday morning.
Rain chances are expected to clear by midday Sunday, giving way to drier weather to close out the weekend.
“It won’t be a washout, but a few storms are possible before sunrise Sunday,” Kelly explained.
Weekend Outlook and Temperature Trends
Temperatures will stay well above average through the end of the week, with highs near 70°F Friday and Saturday before cooler air returns Sunday, bringing highs closer to 50°F.
Forecast Highlights:
- Monday: Partly cloudy, highs in the mid-50s to low 60s
- Tuesday: Mostly sunny, near 70°F
- Christmas Eve: Warm and partly cloudy, high around 73°F
- Christmas Day: Mild and dry, high near 73°F
- Saturday Night–Sunday: Scattered rain and isolated storms possible
- Next Sunday: Cooler, highs near 50°F
The overall outlook points to a warm and tranquil holiday week, with just a brief cool-down expected after Christmas.
Stay tuned to HonkNews.com for the latest First Alert Weather updates as the holiday week continues.