St. Louis started Thursday, April 23, 2026, on a calm and comfortable note around 59°F, but the quiet morning is not the whole story. Temperatures are headed for the low to mid 80s this afternoon, fueled by a steady southerly breeze. A line of showers and thunderstorms is expected to sweep in late Thursday night into early Friday morning, with the main batch most likely passing through between about 10 p.m. and 1 a.m. Friday, April 24. Most of the rain should fall overnight, although a stray afternoon shower cannot be completely ruled out across parts of northeast Missouri.
Afternoon Winds Pick Up
Southerly winds will crank up through the afternoon, making it feel warmer and a bit blustery for anyone with outdoor plans. Expect sustained winds in the 6–16 mph range with gusts into the mid 20s. It is a good idea to secure lightweight patio furniture, trash cans, and any loose yard items, and to use extra caution on elevated decks and bridges when those gusts kick in.
Late Tonight: Showers And Thunderstorms
The best window for showers and thunderstorms arrives late Thursday night into early Friday morning, with forecasters noting the main line may roll through between roughly 10 p.m. and 1 a.m. Overnight rain chances sit around 60%, according to the National Weather Service. Scattered storms could bring brief heavy downpours and a limited risk of isolated damaging wind gusts, though the agency continues to describe the overall severe threat as low. By around midday Friday, conditions should start to settle down as the primary system moves off to the southeast.
Friday Commute And Weekend
Most of the rain is expected to exit to the southeast by midday Friday, April 24, but the morning drive could still be soggy and slower than usual thanks to lingering downpours and gusty conditions. Friday's high should top out near 74°F before cooler, drier air takes over into the weekend. Saturday looks comfortably mild in the mid 70s. Another, more organized round of showers and thunderstorms is likely late Sunday night into Monday, with forecasters pegging a roughly 70–80% chance for widespread rain and storms, so it is smart to keep early-week plans a bit flexible.
Quick Tips And Where We Updated
Secure outdoor items ahead of the stronger afternoon winds, give yourself extra travel time if you are out late tonight, and avoid driving through standing water after any heavy downpours. We updated this briefing from our April 22 forecast with fresh timing and wind details from local forecasters.
