Missouri — A thin veil of early dawn light washes over the Mississippi River, glinting off damp pavement as cool air settles across both Missouri and Illinois. The stillness feels temporary, a quiet pause before a more active November weather pattern pushes toward the St. Louis region as Thanksgiving travel begins its first major surge.
Travelers should prepare for increasing rain chances Tuesday, particularly during the afternoon commute and on key corridors such as I-55, I-64, and I-70. Even light rain may slow traffic on bridges into Illinois, where the breeze tightens and visibility can shift quickly. Residents leaving early for holiday trips should allow additional time, especially heading east toward Collinsville and south toward Arnold.
Today brings mild sunshine with highs near 60. Conditions stay manageable, though an isolated shower may pop up late. Winds remain light, keeping the air crisp but comfortable for outdoor errands or early decorating.
Tuesday becomes the first meaningful precipitation day of the week. A 20 percent rain chance emerges by late morning, rising into the afternoon as clouds thicken. Models hint at a developing band of scattered showers—nothing wintry yet, but the pattern signals the broader Winter Tease building across the Midwest. Temperatures climb into the low-70s, so any precipitation remains purely rain.
Wednesday trends mostly cloudy and cooler, with highs in the mid-60s before another system sweeps in Wednesday night. That round carries a stronger signal for widespread rain, with early indicators pointing toward a wetter stretch lasting into Thursday night. Heavier rainfall could impact regional Thanksgiving departures, particularly on I-44 and routes through Metro East Illinois.
Late week stays unsettled. Rain likely continues into Thursday and Thursday night, before Friday turns cooler and gradually drier. The weekend offers calmer skies—useful for last-minute Thanksgiving prep and steadier regional travel.
