Missouri – Flags snap sharply and exposed skin stings within minutes as a blast of winter cold grips eastern Missouri this morning. In the St. Louis metro, wind howls through city streets, pushing frigid air across bridges and open interstates during the MLK Day commute.
According to the National Weather Service in St. Louis, a Cold Weather Advisory went into effect early today for portions of eastern Missouri and west-central Illinois. Wind chills are expected to drop as low as 15 degrees below zero in and around the advisory area, driven by sustained northwest winds gusting near 30 mph.
Temperatures hover in the lower 20s this morning, but it feels much colder. Blustery conditions keep pavement cold, raising the risk for black ice where moisture refroze overnight. Drivers along I-70, I-55, and I-64 should use caution, especially on elevated ramps and shaded stretches.
Skies stay mostly sunny today, though the cold remains locked in place. Highs only reach the low 20s before winds gradually ease later this afternoon. Tonight turns calmer, allowing temperatures to fall into the mid-teens across the metro area.
Relief arrives Tuesday. Sunshine helps temperatures rebound into the upper 30s, with calmer winds making it feel noticeably better outdoors. Wednesday continues the warming trend, with highs climbing into the mid-40s under clear skies. Melting snow and ice during the day could refreeze after sunset, so slick spots remain possible.
Looking ahead to late week, colder air rebuilds and light snow chances return by Friday into the weekend. Longer-range outlooks suggest below-normal temperatures persist across the Midwest, while precipitation chances increase heading into next week.
Residents should limit prolonged outdoor exposure today, cover exposed skin, and allow extra travel time this morning. Conditions improve midweek, but winter is far from finished.
Five-Day Weather Snapshot for St. Louis, Missouri
- Today: Sunny and blustery, high near 22°
- Tonight: Mostly clear, low near 15°
- Tuesday: Mostly sunny, high near 38°
- Wednesday: Sunny, high near 46°
- Thursday: Sunny, high near 37°
