Cape Girardeau, Missouri – Temperatures will climb into the upper 80s by Thursday afternoon, pushing near 90°F and delivering a summerlike stretch of heat across southeast Missouri heading into the weekend.
According to the National Weather Service and NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, southeast Missouri is in an 80 to 90 percent probability zone for above-normal temperatures from April 16 through April 20. A strong heat dome over the Midwest and lower Mississippi Valley will suppress rainfall and allow temperatures to steadily rise through the period.
In Cape Girardeau and across Cape Girardeau, Scott, and Bollinger counties, highs are expected to reach 87 to 90°F between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m., with overnight lows holding in the mid to upper 60s. Along the I-55 corridor from Sikeston to Jackson, dry air and persistent sunshine will rapidly dry vegetation, increasing wildfire risk in rural and wooded areas.
Poplar Bluff and Butler County will see similar conditions with highs in the upper 80s, while areas closer to the Mississippi River may briefly touch 90°F during peak heating. Despite the warmth, humidity levels will remain moderate, allowing fuels to dry quickly.
The precipitation outlook shows a 33 to 50 percent chance of below-normal rainfall early in this stretch. However, a shift begins late in the period as a storm track develops across the region, increasing the potential for heavy rainfall between April 18 and April 22, especially along and east of I-55.
Residents should avoid outdoor burning, stay hydrated, and limit strenuous activity during peak afternoon heat. Drivers should monitor vehicle temperatures and avoid parking on dry grass.
The most intense heat is expected April 18 through April 20, when a “much above normal” zone expands into southeast Missouri. Additional advisories are possible as this pattern begins to transition toward a more active and storm-prone setup early next week.
