St. Louis is kicking off Saturday, April 4 with a gray, soggy start. Light rain and fog are hanging over the metro, temperatures are near 64°F, visibility is down to roughly 4 miles, and a west breeze around 10 to 12 mph is keeping roads wet and early commutes slow.
Morning Showers And Thunder Rumbles
A band of showers and a few thunderstorms is sliding through the region early Saturday. The main squall line is expected to shift east of the metro by about 9 a.m., although steady rain and occasional rumbles of thunder may linger along and east of I-44 and I-55 through mid-morning. Some storms could drop brief heavy downpours, so drivers should be ready for ponding in low spots. Highs will peak near 64°F before gradually slipping into the mid-50s this afternoon. West winds will pick up to 10 to 15 mph with gusts up to about 23 mph. According to the National Weather Service St. Louis, showers should fade from west to east as the day moves along.
Blustery Afternoon And Commute Concerns
Cold air will follow quickly behind the front, making the afternoon feel much cooler than the recent stretch of warmth. Gusty northwest winds could reach 20 to 30 mph at times and may create tricky crosswinds on bridges and elevated roadways. Outdoor events and weekend runs will have to contend first with damp conditions, then with a blustery and cooler afternoon, so it is worth leaving extra time for travel and securing any loose patio furniture. The flip from near-record warmth late last week to a chilly, windy weekend is a sharp turn; for context, see Hoodline’s earlier coverage of near record heat.
Sunday Sun And Early Week Chill
Skies brighten on Sunday, April 5, with sunshine returning, highs near 60°F, and lighter northwest breezes. Monday looks seasonably cool with highs in the low 60s. The coldest stretch arrives late Monday night into Tuesday morning, April 7, when there is a 30 to 60 percent chance that some locations in northeastern Missouri and west-central Illinois could briefly dip to freezing. Gardeners will want to cover tender plants and prepare for a chilly night, especially away from river corridors.
In the meantime, it is a good idea to drive cautiously on wet roads, keep an umbrella and a wind-resistant jacket handy, and bring potted or sensitive plants indoors ahead of Tuesday’s early morning lows. Check the latest local forecast and any advisories before heading out.
