SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — The Ozarks will enjoy another mild and quiet day on Wednesday before a new storm system brings rain and a few rumbles of thunder Thursday morning, according to the KY3 First Alert Weather Team.
Mild Midweek Weather Before the Front
After a pleasant Tuesday with highs around 60°F, temperatures will remain above average through midweek. Skies will start mostly clear overnight, allowing lows to drop into the mid to upper 30s. By Wednesday afternoon, expect a mix of sun and clouds, with highs returning to near 60°F once again.
Meteorologist Nick Kelly says a southwest breeze will keep conditions mild before the next weather system moves in from the Pacific Northwest.
Rain and Storms Expected Thursday Morning
Between late Wednesday night and early Thursday, light showers or sprinkles may begin to develop across the region. The best chances for scattered rain and a few thunderstorms will occur Thursday morning between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m., primarily along the U.S. 65 and I-44 corridors, including Springfield and areas stretching toward Table Rock Lake.
By midday Thursday, rain will shift east toward the eastern Ozarks, clearing out between noon and 2 p.m. Skies will then quickly clear behind the cold front.
Rainfall totals are expected to remain light, with most areas picking up half an inch or less. Some localized spots could see up to three-quarters of an inch, but no severe weather is anticipated.
Cooler, Breezy End to the Week
Temperatures will reach their warmest early Thursday, topping out in the mid to upper 50s before dropping into the 40s by late afternoon.
Friday morning will start cold, with lows in the low to mid-20s, followed by highs near 50°F. Saturday will bring another brief warm-up, with highs near 60°F, before cooling slightly into the low 50s on Sunday.
Looking Ahead: Dry and Warm for Christmas Week
After a few ups and downs through the weekend, an upper-level ridge will build into the region next week, bringing a warmer, drier pattern for Christmas.
Forecast models show highs in the low 70s for both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, with partly sunny skies and lows in the 50s and 60s — a far cry from a white Christmas.
Stay with HonkNews.com for continued coverage from the First Alert Weather Team as the Ozarks transition from mild midweek conditions to Thursday’s rain and wind shift.