St. Louis, MO – A fire risk alert is in effect today across eastern Missouri and central and southern Illinois, with unusually high temperatures, gusty winds, and low humidity creating prime conditions for wildfire spread. Officials are urging residents to avoid any outdoor burning and to properly extinguish cigarettes to reduce the risk of accidental fires.
According to the National Weather Service in St. Louis, the region will experience south-to-southwest winds reaching up to 39 mph this afternoon, combined with extremely dry vegetation. This combination raises the possibility of rapid and erratic fire behavior, especially in grassy and agricultural areas where debris from harvested crops remains on the ground.
The high fire risk will last through tonight, making outdoor fires dangerous and unpredictable. Residents are strongly advised to take extra caution and to avoid using open flames or equipment that could emit sparks. Furthermore, local fire departments are on high alert for potential fires, and they are prepared to respond to any incidents quickly.
Beyond the fire warning, the St. Louis area can expect a dynamic week of weather. Wednesday night will bring a 90% chance of showers and thunderstorms, with some storms potentially reaching severe levels. These storms may continue into Thursday morning, with strong winds that could cause damage, particularly along Interstate 64 and Highway 40 corridors.
Friday offers a reprieve, with sunny skies and temperatures around 60°F. However, rain returns to the forecast by Saturday night, with a slight chance of thunderstorms extending into early next week.
