St. Louis, MO — The National Weather Service in St. Louis warns that a powerful arctic air mass will sweep into Missouri this weekend, bringing bitterly cold temperatures and dangerously low wind chills.
Temperatures will steadily fall late Friday into Saturday as cold air surges southward behind a strong cold front. By early Sunday morning, low temperatures are forecast to dip into the single digits, with some locations in northeast Missouri potentially falling below zero.
Combined with a brisk north wind of 10 to 20 mph, wind chills could range from 0°F to 10°F below zero, creating conditions that may pose a risk of frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes.
“These cold temperatures, combined with the wind, will lead to potentially dangerous wind chills across much of the region,” forecasters said. “Be sure to bundle up, limit time outdoors, and bring pets inside.”
The arctic outbreak will affect cities across eastern and central Missouri, including St. Louis, Columbia, Jefferson City, and Farmington. The coldest period is expected Saturday night into Sunday morning, though below-normal temperatures will linger into early next week.
Residents are advised to check on elderly neighbors, ensure home heating systems are functioning properly, and avoid prolonged outdoor exposure. Motorists should also keep extra blankets and cold-weather emergency kits in their vehicles.
The NWS emphasizes that temperatures may remain below freezing through early next week, keeping roads slick where any moisture lingers.
