Winter Storm Warnings in Springfield, Missouri
Springfield sits in the southern Missouri Ozarks, where winter weather tends to be modest but occasionally catches residents off guard. Across the 13-year period from 2012 through 2024, the city averaged just 10.9 inches (27.7 cm) of snowfall per year — a relatively light annual total compared to much of the Midwest. The snow that does fall is concentrated in three core months: February, January, and December, in that order, with the heart of winter delivering most of the season's accumulation.
Average winter overnight lows hover near 28.9°F (−1.7°C) — just below freezing — which means Springfield often deals with freezing rain and sleet as much as pure snowfall. Because temperatures frequently dance around the freezing mark, significant snow events are genuinely rare here.
A winter storm warning for Springfield signals that hazardous winter precipitation is imminent or already occurring and is expected to create dangerous travel or infrastructure stress. It's worth noting that warning thresholds are not uniform across the country — the National Weather Service tailors criteria to each region's climate. An amount of snow that triggers a warning in Springfield might barely register as noteworthy in Minneapolis. When a warning is issued here, residents should take it seriously, as local roads and crews are not routinely conditioned for heavy winter precipitation events.
| Years analyzed | 13 winters (2012–2024) |
|---|---|
| Avg. annual snowfall | 10.9 in (27.7 cm) |
| Snowiest months | February, January, December |
| Avg. winter overnight low | 28.9°F (−1.7°C) |
| Heavy-snow days per year | 0 |
Climatology figures are approximate estimates for the period shown and may differ from official local records.
Watch vs warning: a winter storm watch means a major storm is possible in Springfield within 12–48 hours (be prepared); a winter storm warning means it is happening or about to (take action now). For full definitions, see the complete winter storm warning guide.
Springfield winter storm FAQ
Is there a winter storm warning in Springfield right now?
The live status at the top of this page shows whether a winter storm warning, watch, or advisory is currently in effect for Springfield, Missouri. It checks live forecast and alert data automatically and refreshes every time the page loads.
Does Springfield get winter storm warnings often?
Springfield sees moderate snowfall in a typical winter, with winter storm warnings during the stronger systems. The frequency varies year to year with the track of major storm systems.
How much snow triggers a winter storm warning in Springfield?
There is no single national trigger: warning criteria are set by each local National Weather Service office, ranging from a couple of inches of snow in areas where snow is rare up to 6 inches or more in snow-belt regions, and significant ice accumulation can warrant a warning on its own.
What should I do during a winter storm warning in Springfield?
Avoid travel if possible, stay indoors and keep warm, prepare for power outages, keep an emergency kit, and check on elderly or vulnerable neighbours. Follow guidance from Missouri authorities and the National Weather Service (NWS).
Winter storm warnings in nearby locations
- Winter storm warning in Fayetteville, AR
- Winter storm warning in Columbia, MO
- Winter storm warning in Overland Park, KS
- Winter storm warning in Kansas City, MO
- Winter storm warning in Little Rock, AR
- Winter storm warning in Tulsa, OK
See all locations, read the latest winter weather news, or the full winter storm warning guide. Definitions follow the National Weather Service (NWS) criteria; thresholds vary by region.