St. Louis, MO – A calm, crystal-clear night will pave the way for a widespread freeze across Missouri and southwest Illinois by early Sunday morning. The National Weather Service in St. Louis has extended a Freeze Warning from 1 AM to 7 AM CST Sunday, covering a large portion of the I-70 corridor from Columbia and Jefferson City east through St. Louis and into Alton, Litchfield, and Vandalia, Illinois.
Temperatures are expected to drop into the upper 20s and low 30s, cold enough to end the growing season and bring frost to nearly every county in the warning area. Clear skies, light winds, and dry air will create ideal conditions for rapid cooling after midnight.
According to the weather service, unprotected outdoor plumbing and tender vegetation may be damaged if not properly insulated or covered. Residents should bring potted plants indoors, drain hoses, and wrap outdoor faucets before temperatures dip below freezing. Pet owners are also encouraged to ensure animals have warm, dry shelter.
By sunrise Sunday, lawns and rooftops may glisten with a thin coat of frost — a telltale sign that November has taken hold. Afternoon temperatures will rebound into the upper 50s under bright sunshine, offering a crisp but pleasant fall day.
A gradual warm-up continues into early next week with highs near 60°F, though another cold push is possible by late week. For now, the first true freeze of the season has arrived — signaling the shift from late fall to early winter in the Heartland.
