St. Louis, MO – The St. Louis metro is on track for its first freeze of the season as a dry, cold air mass settles into eastern Missouri and southwest Illinois. The National Weather Service in St. Louis has issued a Freeze Watch from late tonight through Sunday morning for St. Louis City, St. Louis County, Jefferson, Sainte Genevieve, and portions of southern Illinois including Belleville, Salem, and Chester.
Forecasters expect temperatures to drop to near 32°F, cold enough to damage or kill sensitive vegetation and mark the end of the growing season for the bi-state area. Light winds and clear skies will create ideal conditions for widespread frost formation by dawn Sunday.
Residents are advised to bring in potted plants, cover tender flowers, and insulate outdoor faucets or pipes to prevent freeze damage. Pet owners should ensure animals have warm, dry shelter during the pre-dawn chill.
Travelers along I-55, I-44, and I-64 should plan for frosty windshields and slick bridge surfaces early Sunday. The freeze won’t last long, however — sunshine will quickly warm the region into the mid- to upper-50s by afternoon, creating a crisp but comfortable fall day.
Early next week looks mild and quiet with highs near 60°F Monday and Tuesday before another weak front slides through midweek. For now, though, the message is clear: autumn’s first true cold bite arrives tonight across the Gateway City.
