Missouri wakes to a hard winter bite as frigid air grips the St. Louis region before sunrise. Car doors creak open, breath turns visible, and thermometers hover near 13 degrees at Lambert Airport. Wind chills dip into the single digits, making this one of the coldest mornings so far this December.
According to the National Weather Service, sunshine helps later today, but the cold lingers early. Highs climb into the low 40s, offering relief by afternoon. Drivers should still watch for slick patches on bridges and shaded roads. Exposed pipes and pets need protection during the early hours.
A noticeable warmup begins Tuesday. South winds pull in milder air, pushing highs into the low 50s under sunny skies. Snowmelt increases, leaving damp pavement across the metro. That moisture becomes important as the pattern turns active again.
By Wednesday, temperatures surge to the mid-50s, well above normal for mid-December. Clouds thicken through the day, and rain chances increase Wednesday night. While precipitation starts as rain, forecasters are watching how fast colder air returns behind the system.
Thursday brings the highest travel concern. Showers remain likely early, then taper by midday. Temperatures fall quickly late Thursday into Thursday night, dropping into the low 20s. Any leftover moisture could flash freeze, creating slick roads for evening and early Friday commuters, especially on I-64, I-70, and I-55.
Behind the system, winter regains control. Friday turns mostly sunny but colder, with highs near 37 degrees. The weekend looks quieter, with milder afternoons returning Saturday before another cool-down Sunday.
This pattern highlights classic December whiplash across the Midwest. Plan ahead for wet roads midweek and freezing risks soon after.
Five-Day Outlook for St. Louis, MO
• Today: Sunny, cold morning, high near 41°F
• Tuesday: Sunny and milder, high near 51°F
• Wednesday: Warmer, rain late, high near 54°F
• Thursday: Showers early, colder late, high near 58°F
• Friday: Sunny, colder, high near 37°F
