St. Louis, Missouri — Cold but quiet weather will greet those ringing in New Year’s Eve tonight, with temperatures dropping near freezing by midnight and falling further into the 20s by New Year’s Day morning.
According to the National Weather Service in St. Louis, afternoon highs reached the 40s, but temperatures will steadily fall this evening. By 6 p.m., readings are expected to range from 35 to 40 degrees, dropping to 30–35 degrees around midnight as 2026 begins. By 6 a.m. Thursday (New Year’s Day), temperatures are forecast to settle between 20 and 30 degrees.
Skies will remain partly to mostly cloudy, with no rain or snow expected, keeping road conditions dry. However, the colder temperatures may allow patchy refreeze on bridges and elevated surfaces late tonight, especially where moisture remains from earlier periods.
Major travel routes including I-70, I-64, I-55, I-44, I-270, and I-255 are expected to remain clear, but drivers traveling late tonight should be alert for isolated slick spots, particularly on ramps and overpasses.
For those celebrating outdoors, the cold may be the primary concern. Wind will be light, but prolonged exposure could still be uncomfortable, especially for children and older adults. Pets should be kept indoors overnight.
Conditions on New Year’s Day will remain dry but cold, with morning lows in the 20s and a gradual warm-up later in the day.
The National Weather Service advises residents to dress in warm layers, limit prolonged outdoor exposure, and use caution during early-morning travel as the region welcomes the start of 2026.
