St. Louis, Missouri – A rapid surge of heat will push temperatures near record levels by Thursday afternoon, setting the stage for a round of storms that could disrupt travel overnight.
According to the National Weather Service in St. Louis, highs will climb from the upper 60s Tuesday into the low 80s Wednesday before peaking near 90 degrees Thursday. This sharp warm-up, driven by strong southerly winds, will put parts of eastern Missouri and southwest Illinois close to record highs for late March.
Cities including St. Louis, St. Charles, and Belleville will feel the biggest jump, with Thursday afternoon bringing summer-like conditions ahead of an approaching cold front.
That front will arrive Thursday night into early Friday morning, bringing a 60 to 80 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Roads such as I-64, I-70, and I-55 could see reduced visibility and wet conditions during the overnight hours, especially for early commuters Friday.
Residents should prepare for a quick shift from warm, dry weather to wet conditions late Thursday. Secure outdoor items and stay alert for changing conditions overnight.
Cooler air moves in behind the front Friday, with highs dropping back into the 50s by the end of the week.
