The National Weather Service in St. Louis has issued a Cold Weather Advisory that went into effect at 9 PM today, remaining in place until noon CST on Sunday. The cold snap is expected to bring very cold wind chills ranging from 10 to 15 below zero, which could lead to hypothermia or frostbite if proper precautions aren't taken. In a statement obtained by National Weather Service St. Louis, residents are urged to "use caution while traveling outside" and to wear "appropriate clothing, a hat, and gloves."
Areas impacted by this advisory include several Illinois counties such as Clinton, Washington, Monroe, Randolph, and Saint Clair. In Missouri, the advisory covers Lincoln, Saint Charles, Saint Louis City, and Saint Louis counties. The NWS forecast also predicts snow chances before 4 pm today and a temperature decline to around 18 by late afternoon.
The Hazardous Weather Outlook is not only limited to the bitter cold. Parts of northeast Missouri and central Illinois could also expect accumulating snow today. A potential for a slight chance of patchy freezing drizzle is also on the radar, especially south of Interstate 70 in Missouri and along and south of Interstate 64 in Illinois, according to the National Weather Service's latest updates. As the conditions develop, those on the roads should stay vigilant for the impacts of winter weather and take all necessary safety measures.
As the freeze tightens its grip, dangerously low wind chill readings will persist into Sunday morning. Community members are encouraged to report significant weather conditions, which helps with the accuracy and timeliness of forecasts and warnings. Sharing reports can be done by contacting local law enforcement or by posting to the National Weather Service St. Louis Facebook page or X feed.
