On Thursday, temperatures are expected to reach the upper 30s, accompanied by partly sunny skies. However, a significant weather change is on the horizon as an influx of Arctic air will bring dangerously cold temperatures from Friday through Monday morning. Residents can anticipate highs only in the teens and lows plunging to single digits. Wind chills, most notably on Friday and Saturday, are expected to drop below zero, warranting a First Alert Weather Day for the region. It is crucial for individuals to take precautions, such as insulating pipes and ensuring the safety of pets and vulnerable individuals, during this severe cold spell.
Snow is forecasted to begin on Saturday, potentially starting around lunchtime and continuing into the evening. Despite initially dry conditions, the moisture is expected to overtake the dry air, resulting in light, fluffy snow that can be easily blown around. Intensity is predicted to increase overnight into Sunday morning before tapering off by Sunday afternoon.
Snowfall totals are projected to vary based on location, with 1-3 inches likely from Bowling Green, Missouri, to the north. Areas from Bowling Green south to Festus are expected to receive more substantial accumulations of 3-6 inches, while regions further south towards the bootheel could experience totals exceeding 6 inches.
Even after the snow diminishes on Sunday, lingering travel impacts are anticipated into Monday morning, as the cold persists with temperatures plunging to as low as -1. As the community braces for potentially hazardous conditions, preparations are essential to ensure safety and minimize travel disruptions.