Missouri – Cold air settles quietly over the St. Louis metro as the first morning of 2026 unfolds. Frost clings to windshields, sidewalks feel stiff underfoot, and the Mississippi River valley sits under a muted winter sky.
Temperatures hover near 28 degrees early today at Lambert International Airport. Calm winds keep conditions manageable, but the chill still seeps through coats. Clouds linger through the morning before breaking for filtered sunshine by afternoon. Highs recover into the upper 30s, just enough to soften the edge.
Roads remain dry across much of eastern Missouri and southwest Illinois, but cold pavement raises a familiar concern. Any leftover moisture can refreeze quickly during shaded hours. Drivers across I-70, I-64, and surface streets should stay alert for isolated slick spots, especially early and again after sunset.
Tonight turns colder again. Lows dip toward the upper 20s, allowing frost to redevelop on bridges and elevated roadways. It’s a quiet pattern, but winter’s grip remains firm.
Friday brings a noticeable shift. Clouds thicken, yet temperatures climb into the low 40s. That warming trend continues into Saturday, when sunshine pushes highs into the low 40s again. Outdoor plans become more comfortable, though mornings still start cold.
By Sunday, the pattern turns milder. Highs reach the mid-40s with dry conditions holding. Early next week hints at a larger warm-up, with temperatures pushing toward the 50s and even near 60 by Monday.
Meteorologists say this steady transition matters. Cold mornings followed by milder afternoons increase the risk of freeze-thaw cycles. Watch for damp spots refreezing after dark.
Five Day Outlook for St. Louis–Brooklyn, IL
• New Year’s Day: Partly sunny, high near 38
• Friday: Mostly cloudy, high near 41
• Saturday: Mostly sunny, high near 41
• Sunday: Mostly sunny, high near 44
• Monday: Mostly sunny, high near 59
