Residents across the Ozarks should prepare for a potentially hazardous Monday morning commute as areas of dense fog are expected to develop overnight. While sunshine returned Sunday afternoon with highs in the upper 50s and lower 60s, a shift in conditions will bring reduced visibility and the need for extra caution on the roads. The fog is anticipated to dissipate by late morning, giving way to a stretch of unseasonably warm weather that will continue through midweek.
The primary concern for Monday morning is the potential for fog to form, particularly south of Interstate 44 and east of U.S. Highway 65. Recent rainfall combined with high pressure overhead creates ideal conditions for fog development, potentially dropping visibility to a mile or less. Motorists are advised to allow extra travel time, reduce speed, and utilize low beam headlights and fog lamps if encountering foggy conditions. The fog is expected to lift by 9 or 10 a.m., transitioning to partly to mostly sunny skies for the remainder of the day.
Morning Lows and Afternoon Highs
Morning temperatures will dip into the middle 30s to around 40 degrees. However, a significant warm-up is expected throughout the day, with afternoon highs reaching the middle 60s and approaching 70 degrees. South winds, gusting up to 25 mph at times, will contribute to the milder temperatures. This warming trend represents a substantial departure from the typical high of 50 degrees for mid-February.
The unseasonably mild conditions are expected to persist through Thursday, with highs climbing into the upper 60s and lower 70s. Tuesday will begin with partly cloudy skies, transitioning to increasing cloud cover in the afternoon, but remaining largely dry. A storm system approaching from the Northern Plains could bring scattered showers to the northern Ozarks late Tuesday night into early Wednesday morning, though widespread precipitation is not anticipated.
Looking Ahead: A Shift in the Weather Pattern
Wednesday will be mostly cloudy, followed by a quiet Thursday. However, a cold front is approaching for the weekend, signaling a change in the weather pattern. By Friday, temperatures are forecast to return to more typical February levels, with highs near 50 degrees, before becoming colder through the weekend.
The arrival of colder air is expected to be accompanied by precipitation. The first of two upper-level systems moving in Friday could bring scattered rain showers to the southeastern Ozarks. A second system Friday night into Saturday may bring additional scattered rain or snow showers, though significant accumulations are not currently expected. Officials are monitoring the situation closely as the weekend approaches.
Following the passage of these systems, drier conditions and plenty of sunshine are expected to return by next Sunday. Weekend lows will drop near freezing, with highs in the 40s. This return to more seasonal temperatures will mark a noticeable contrast to the mild conditions experienced earlier in the week.
As the region transitions back to colder temperatures, it’s important to stay informed about potential weather changes. Keep an eye on local forecasts for the latest updates and be prepared for possible winter weather conditions as we head into the weekend.
Share this information with your friends and family, and let us know in the comments how the weather is impacting your area!
