SPRINGFIELD, Missouri – A late-summer heat wave is settling over the Missouri Ozarks and extreme southeast Kansas, pushing afternoon highs into the upper 90s through Sunday and elevating risks for heat-related illness and increased power demand.
The National Weather Service in Springfield expects dry, sunny conditions to dominate starting Wednesday, with highs of 87°F to 91°F before surging to 92°F to 98°F by Thursday. Overnight lows will stay mild in the 60s, offering limited relief from daytime heat.
Residents in Springfield, Joplin, West Plains, and Pittsburg, Kansas, should prepare for long stretches of sun and heat with little overnight cooldown. Officials recommend staying hydrated, limiting outdoor activity during peak heat hours between 2 and 5 p.m., and checking on vulnerable neighbors and pets. While skies remain mostly clear, the risk of heat exhaustion and strained utilities will grow each day.
This pattern mirrors late-season heat in 2021, when the region logged five consecutive days above 95°F. No rain is expected, but residents should watch for potential air quality alerts or local burn bans if conditions deteriorate.
Hot, dry weather is likely to continue into early next week, and updated advisories are possible if the heat index climbs above 100°F.
