St. Louis, Missouri – Near-record heat is building across Missouri today, with dry air and gusty winds increasing fire risk before a shift to wetter conditions begins within the next 24 hours.
According to the National Weather Service in St. Louis, highs will climb into the mid to upper 80s Monday and Tuesday, approaching long-standing records including 86°F in St. Louis and 87°F in Columbia. The combination of warm temperatures, low humidity, and breezy conditions is creating elevated fire danger across central and eastern Missouri, including Jefferson City, Columbia, and areas along the I-70 corridor.
Open burning is strongly discouraged through Tuesday afternoon, as fires could spread quickly under these conditions. Residents should fully extinguish campfires and avoid activities that generate sparks.
Rain chances increase beginning Tuesday night, with multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms expected through midweek. The most widespread rainfall is likely from Tuesday night through Thursday, impacting both Missouri and west-central Illinois, including Quincy and areas along the Mississippi River.
While severe weather is not expected, periods of steady rain could affect travel and outdoor plans. Cooler, wetter conditions will follow the early-week heat, with additional updates possible as rain coverage becomes clearer.
