Accumulating snow and dangerously cold temperatures are likely this weekend, as the National Weather Service (NWS) issued a Winter Storm Watch beginning Friday evening for southwest Missouri, including Barry County.

According to the NWS, a large winter storm is expected to move into the region after 6 p.m. Friday, bringing snow that could last through Saturday and taper off by Sunday morning. The watch remains in effect until noon Sunday.

While exact snowfall totals remain uncertain, the National Weather Service said there is high confidence that the area will receive at least 2-4 inches of snow, with many forecast models clustering in the 4- to 8-inch range. Snowfall amounts could vary depending on the storm’s final track, with higher totals possible if the system continues trending north.

Snow is expected to be the primary form of precipitation locally. Forecasters said the chance of mixed precipitation, such as sleet, remains low for Barry County, though it cannot be completely ruled out if the storm shifts farther north than currently forecast.

In addition to snow, the system will usher in a prolonged stretch of bitter cold. A Cold Weather Advisory has been issued from midnight to noon Saturday, with overnight lows expected to drop into the single digits and wind chills falling between -5 and -15 degrees.

Cold temperatures are forecast to persist through at least Tuesday, allowing snow to remain on the ground for several days. Wind chills late Sunday into Monday morning could drop as low as -20 degrees, according to probabilistic forecasts.

Forecasters said the snow is expected to be relatively dry and fluffy, but prolonged cold will cause it to compact over time, making removal more difficult the longer it remains on the ground.

Travel conditions may deteriorate rapidly Friday night and Saturday, particularly on untreated roads. The weather service noted there could be a brief lull in snowfall sometime Saturday afternoon or evening, though confidence in the timing remains low.

Residents are encouraged to monitor updated forecasts, prepare for hazardous travel conditions, dress in layers, and limit time outdoors during periods of extreme cold. Motorists are urged to check Missouri Department of Transportation road conditions before traveling.

The National Weather Service said forecast confidence will improve over the next 24 to 48 hours as higher-resolution models become available, with the next briefing scheduled for Thursday evening.