Dangerously cold weather is gripping Missouri and Illinois, with wind chills expected to drop as low as -15°F through Tuesday morning. Residents along the I-70 corridor, including St. Louis, are urged to take precautions as freezing temperatures and brisk winds pose safety risks.
According to the National Weather Service, wind chill values will reach -5°F to -15°F overnight Sunday into Monday and again Monday night into Tuesday morning. The coldest temperatures are forecast for northeast Missouri and parts of west-central Illinois, where exposed skin could develop frostbite within minutes.
Travelers on major routes like I-70 and I-55 should prepare for icy conditions and reduced visibility due to blowing snow. Residents are encouraged to dress in layers, limit outdoor activities, and check on vulnerable neighbors, including the elderly and unhoused.
Daytime highs on Monday will barely reach 21°F in St. Louis, with winds northwest at 5 to 10 mph adding to the chill. Tuesday brings slightly warmer conditions with highs near 25°F but wind chills still in the single digits during the morning.
Looking ahead, temperatures will rebound midweek, with highs in the mid-30s on Wednesday and reaching the 40s by Thursday. However, precautions remain essential as extreme cold persists into early Tuesday.
Stay informed by monitoring updates from the National Weather Service and plan accordingly to stay safe during this cold snap.
