St. Louis wakes up cloudy and muggy this morning, with temperatures hovering around 64°F and that classic “air you can wear” feel. It will not stay mild for long. By afternoon, readings jump into the low 80s, and scattered showers may pop up ahead of a more organized round of storms expected after dark. Evening plans should stay loose, because some of those storms could pack a punch.
Evening Severe Threat
The main window for rough weather runs tonight, Friday, April 3, 2026, into the early hours of Saturday, April 4, 2026. A progressive line of thunderstorms is forecast to move into northeastern and central Missouri and west-central Illinois, including parts of the St. Louis metro, roughly between 8 and 10 p.m.
That line could produce damaging straight-line winds and brief tornadoes, with a lower risk of large hail. Forecasters at the National Weather Service in St. Louis have the latest outlook and safety guidance.
Timing And Commute Impacts
Afternoon highs should reach around 82°F with south winds of 3 to 15 mph and gusts up to about 24 mph. The chance of scattered afternoon storms sits near 25 to 30 percent.
The odds of widespread showers and thunderstorms climb this evening and peak overnight, with rain likely lingering into Saturday morning across parts of eastern Missouri and west-central Illinois. If the storms organize into a squall line, brief power outages and sudden damaging gusts are possible. Avoid driving through heavy rain or near downed power lines, build in extra time for evening travel, and consider shifting outdoor plans earlier in the day.
Weekend Cooldown And Freeze Risk
Once the front passes, the air turns sharply cooler. Saturday’s high should top out near 63°F, with Saturday night dropping into the low 40s under northwest winds. Sunday looks brighter, with more sun and a high close to 60°F.
Another shot of cold arrives early next week. Forecasters note a 30 to 60 percent chance of a freeze Monday night north of I-70 that could damage sensitive plants. For preparedness tips and local alert signups such as NotifySTL, visit the City of St. Louis Emergency Management Agency.
What To Do
Before storms arrive, charge phones, secure loose outdoor items, and move vehicles away from trees if possible. If a tornado warning is issued, head to an interior room on the lowest floor, stay away from windows, and follow local emergency alerts.
