St. Louis woke up to clear skies and about 70°F on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, with temperatures already near 70°F by 5:25 a.m. CDT and a rapid warmup on tap. The National Weather Service is calling for highs near 86°F this afternoon, powered by brisk southwest winds with gusts in the 25 to 30 mph range. That mix of warmth, dry air, and wind will bring elevated fire danger across much of the region this afternoon before a cold front moves in with a chance of showers and thunderstorms tonight.
Afternoon Heat And Fire Risk
Southwest winds of 10 to 17 mph, with gusts up to 30 mph, are expected to drop humidity and increase the spread potential of any grass or brush fires that start. According to the National Weather Service, near-record warmth is on the table, and officials recommend holding off on outdoor burning and securing loose yard items during the afternoon. Anyone working or playing outside should be ready for hot, windy conditions and make sure water and shade are close by.
Storms Tonight Mainly Along And North Of I-70
Showers and thunderstorms are expected to become more widespread this evening along and just behind the advancing cold front, with the most numerous storms favored along and north of the I-70 corridor. A few storms could produce isolated hail up to about one inch in diameter and locally heavy downpours. Brief bursts of heavy rain may cut visibility and slow the drive home. Overnight lows will stay on the mild side, in the low 60s, with periods of rain likely continuing into early Wednesday.
Multiple Rounds Through Friday
Forecast guidance keeps the pattern unsettled through Friday, with several rounds of showers and thunderstorms possible and scattered pockets of heavy rain at times. The National Weather Service notes a 40 to 60 percent chance that parts of central and northeast Missouri and west-central Illinois could pick up around 2 inches of rain by Friday night, which would increase the risk for localized urban or creek flooding. Colder air is expected to arrive late Saturday into Sunday, and a drier, milder stretch still looks likely for Easter Sunday, April 5.
Plan Ahead
Hold off on any outdoor burning this afternoon and take a moment to secure patio furniture, mulch, and other loose items before the gusty southwest winds ramp up. You can sign up for local alerts, and the city's NotifySTL system will send emergency messages by text, phone call, or email. Keep a weather app or NOAA Weather Radio handy if you have outdoor plans tonight. We will update readers if any watches or warnings are issued overnight.
