Missouri greets the first full week of winter with a split personality, starting chilly and ending almost springlike. Cold air clings to the ground early Monday, but a dramatic warm-up is already underway across the St. Louis region.
Temperatures hover in the mid-30s before sunrise, with a light southeast breeze adding a faint bite. According to the National Weather Service, clouds increase through the morning, but no wintry precipitation is expected. Roads remain dry, making for an easy commute despite the colder start.
By afternoon, conditions feel noticeably milder. Highs climb into the mid-50s, setting the tone for an unusually warm stretch. Jackets stay handy in the morning, but lighter layers work by late day.
The real change arrives Tuesday and Wednesday. Sunshine dominates Tuesday with highs near the mid-60s, well above late-December averages. Wednesday pushes even warmer, with highs near 70 degrees across much of eastern Missouri and southwest Illinois. That warmth brings a clear “winter tease,” as Christmas Eve approaches with springlike air instead of snowflakes.
Nighttime lows stay mild too, hovering in the upper 40s to upper 50s. That reduces any freeze risk but can create dense morning fog in low-lying areas, especially near the Mississippi River. Drivers along I-64, I-55, and I-70 should stay alert during early travel hours.
Christmas Day continues the trend. Partly sunny skies and highs in the mid-70s make outdoor plans easy, though it won’t feel like winter. No snow or ice appears in sight through the holiday.
This pattern reflects a broader national warmth dominating late December. While northern states manage snow and ice, Missouri enjoys calm, dry weather.
Still, sharp changes can follow mild stretches. Keep checking updates as the holiday week progresses. How warm did it feel in your neighborhood this morning?
Five-Day Outlook for St. Louis, Missouri
- Monday: Increasing clouds, high near 54
- Tuesday: Sunny and mild, high near 64
- Wednesday: Mostly cloudy, very warm, high near 71
- Christmas Day: Partly sunny, springlike, high near 75
- Thursday: Mostly cloudy, mild, high near 56
