St. Louis, Missouri – Missouri is bracing for a punishing stretch of winter weather as Arctic air tightens its grip across the state, with dangerously cold temperatures expected to linger through the end of January and into early February. Overnight lows are set to plunge sharply this weekend, with subzero readings possible across northern Missouri and bitter cold settling into the St. Louis metro.
According to the National Weather Service and NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, the pattern from Jan. 27 through early February strongly favors much below normal temperatures across the Midwest. This Arctic air mass is part of a larger national outbreak driving extreme cold across the northern Plains, with parts of Minnesota nearing minus 60 degrees, while pushing freezing air deep into Missouri and the central U.S.
The cold brings multiple hazards statewide. Snow, sleet, and freezing rain are possible this weekend, particularly across northern and central Missouri, creating slick travel on I-70, I-44, I-55, I-35, and secondary roads. Rapid temperature drops also increase the risk of frost quakes, icy bridges, frozen pipes, and strain on heating systems during peak demand.
While brief temperature moderation may occur, no sustained warm-up is expected before Feb. 2. Officials urge residents to limit outdoor exposure, protect exposed plumbing, prepare vehicles for extreme cold, and stay alert as additional winter weather advisories and cold alerts may be issued while this Arctic outbreak remains firmly in place.
