St. Louis residents should prepare to keep it cool and stay hydrated as the city braces for a wave of hot and potentially hazardous weather. The National Weather Service in St. Louis, MO, reports a mix of mostly cloudy skies currently, with a high chance of thunderstorms and showers punctuating the upcoming days. Today's humidity is grappling at a thick 94% with a dewpoint of 73°F, while visibility is clear at 10 miles.
The detailed forecast anticipates some relief after 3 pm today with a sunny turn in the weather, but a 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms might still disrupt the afternoon calm. Patchy fog earlier in the morning will have already dissipated, making way for clearer skies. Winds are expected to remain relatively tame, shifting southeast and maintaining a mild pace. However, temperatures are on the rise, with expectations set on a high near 89; the heat is only going to build from here.
As the weekend unfolds, St. Louis residents won't be getting a break from the heat. Saturday is predicted to hit highs near 94, with heat index values soaring as high as 106—conditions that can easily lead to heat-related illnesses if precautions are not taken. A 40 percent chance of precipitation keeps umbrellas necessary, and the tepid south wind isn’t expected to offer much respite. Saturday evening temperatures are predicted to dip only briefly to 78 before another hot day on Sunday.
The Hazardous Weather Outlook by the NWS warns of a "dangerous, long-duration heat wave" set to sweep in over the weekend and persist through the next week, with highs on Tuesday expected to be scorching near 98 and Wednesday and Thursday's forecasts predict to deliver even steeper temperatures around 100. The heat wave brings more than discomfort; it heralds a risk for those without the means to cool down or hydrate properly. People in St. Louis should plan to adjust schedules and outdoor activities to avoid the worst of the heat. A Hazardous Weather Outlook issued by NWS urges citizens to stay vigilant as "There is a chance of thunderstorms Saturday through Tuesday."
