Area Forecast Discussion
Issued by NWS Springfield, MO
Issued by NWS Springfield, MO
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322 FXUS63 KSGF 290700 AFDSGF Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Springfield MO 200 AM CDT Sat Aug 29 2026 .KEY MESSAGES... - A prolonged heat wave ahead Sunday through next week, with daily highs in the middle to upper 90s, 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 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 Sat Aug 29 2026 Today-Tonight: An upper-level ridge gradually begins 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 into the middle to upper 90s across the western half of the area. A bit cooler temperatures in the upper 80s to lower 90s persist through today across the eastern portions of the area. Southerly winds through the afternoon, with minimal clouds. Dewpoints gradually increase, though remain relatively "low" in the upper 50s to lower 60s. This will support heat index values topping out around 100 in southeast KS and southwest MO this afternoon. Lows tonight fall into the middle 60s (east) to middle 70s (west). && .LONG TERM /SUNDAY THROUGH FRIDAY/... Issued at 200 AM CDT Sat Aug 29 2026 Sunday-Next Week: As we progress into Sunday, mid-level heights further increase and expand over the entire area. 850mb temperatures push towards 21 to 24 C, which is highly anomalously for late August as depicted in the EFI/Shift of Tails. This will correlate to surface temperatures in the middle to upper 90s on Sunday afternoon, with a few locations towards the Interstate 49 corridor pushing 100. Heat index values top out around 100 to 105, primarily along and west of Highway 65. 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 next week. The well above normal temperatures and heat index values up to 105+ degrees will be accompanied by minimal overnight relief next week 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 next week. 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 into next weekend. Currently, the highest heat index values of 100 to 105+ degrees overspread the area mid next week. 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. Meanwhile, this period of extreme heat will be dry with no mentionable PoPs in the forecast through much of next week. With this in mind, there is even some concerns for fire weather for areas west of Highway 65 on Sunday. This area will see breezy southwest winds in combination with dry and hot weather conditions. Of particular concern, will be grass that are dried out. 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 SUNDAY/... Issued at 1145 PM CDT Fri Aug 28 2026 High confidence in VFR conditions prevailing through the period. Minimal cloud cover, with southeast winds becoming more southerly on Saturday around 5 to 10 knots. && .CLIMATE... Issued at 205 PM CDT Thu Aug 27 2026 Record High Temperatures: August 30: KSGF: 101/2000 KJLN: 103/2000 August 31: KJLN: 105/2000 KVIH: 100/2000 September 1: KVIH: 99/1953 September 2: KSGF: 101/2000 KVIH: 99/1899 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. && $$ SHORT TERM...Perez LONG TERM...Perez AVIATION...Perez CLIMATE...Camden