Missouri wakes under a blanket of gray, where headlights fade fast into mist.
Roads look dry, but visibility drops without warning. This Weather Alert matters now as Christmas Eve travel accelerates across the region.
A Dense Fog Advisory remains in effect until 9 a.m. CST for parts of eastern Missouri and southwest Illinois. The National Weather Service reports visibility reduced to one-quarter to one-half mile in dense fog. Conditions vary sharply by location, especially near rivers, low-lying ground, and open fields.
The St. Louis metro area is included, with fog thickest along interstates, river crossings, and suburban connectors. Drivers may see conditions change within seconds. Low visibility increases crash risk during peak morning travel.
Motorists should slow down, use low-beam headlights, and increase following distance. Sudden braking becomes more likely in dense fog pockets. Leave extra time if heading toward airports or major highways.
Fog gradually lifts later this morning as clouds thin. Temperatures rise into the mid-60s, bringing a mild Christmas Eve afternoon. Travel conditions improve significantly after mid-morning.
Christmas Day stays warm and mostly cloudy, with highs near 66 degrees. Patchy fog may redevelop early but clears faster than today. Roads remain dry, supporting smooth holiday travel.
Looking ahead, Friday turns even warmer with sunshine and highs near 71 degrees. Saturday, December 27, remains favorable for post-Christmas travel, with partly sunny skies and temperatures near 70 degrees.
Late weekend changes arrive Sunday. A chance of rain, possibly mixing with snow late, appears before colder air settles in early next week. Drivers should stay alert for changing conditions as December closes.
Five-Day Outlook – St. Louis, MO
• Today: Dense fog early, then cloudy, high near 65°
• Christmas Day: Patchy fog early, mostly cloudy, high near 66°
• Thursday: Mostly cloudy, low near 57°
• Friday: Mostly sunny, high near 71°
• Saturday: Partly sunny, high near 70°
