St. Louis residents should prepare for a significant temperature drop early this week. According to the National Weather Service (NWS), a Freeze Watch has been issued, with sub-freezing temps as low as 25 degrees possible late Monday night through Tuesday morning.
Current conditions in St. Louis include overcast skies and a temperature of 43°F, with a light north wind contributing to the cool morning. The NWS forecasts a 30% chance of showers, mainly before noon, with a high near 49°F and gusts potentially reaching 22 mph. Tonight, skies are expected to be cloudy at first, followed by gradual clearing, with lows around 35°F. On Monday, sunny skies and highs approaching 58°F are expected, before temperatures decrease again.
The areas affected by the upcoming freeze include sections of south central, southwest, and west central Illinois as well as east central and northeast Missouri. Cities under the freeze warning encompass Cahokia, Edwardsville, Vandalia, Salem, Quincy, Chester, and the metropolitan St. Louis area. The NWS advises residents to "take steps now to protect tender plants from the cold."
Gardeners and homeowners with outdoor plants should take extra precautions. The NWS has issued a Freeze Watch, warning that frost and freezing conditions could damage crops, other sensitive plants, and unprotected outdoor plumbing. Following the potential freeze, temperatures are expected to rise, with highs returning to the 50s and 60s, providing some relief from the cold.
