St. Louis is waking up to light rain and fog Tuesday, with temperatures hovering near 68°F and patchy visibility around the metro. That soggy start is expected to build into another round of showers and thunderstorms later today, May 19, 2026.
Flood Watch Through Early Afternoon
According to the National Weather Service, a Flood Watch remains in effect until 1 p.m. CDT Tuesday, May 19, 2026, for much of the metro and surrounding counties. Forecasters note that soils are already saturated in spots, and an additional 1 to 2 inches of rain, with localized higher amounts, could trigger flash flooding in a short time. Southwest winds are expected around 7 to 12 mph with gusts up to about 21 mph, and stronger storm clusters could drive much higher outflow gusts.
Commute And Neighborhood Impacts
Heavy downpours could quickly cut visibility and leave water pooled at underpasses and low-lying intersections, so plan on slower-than-usual travel for the Tuesday morning drive. Gusty winds and brief lightning are possible with the stronger storms, and brief power interruptions cannot be ruled out. For a look back at how quickly things went sideways Monday and where today’s storms may focus, see our soaked-in-a-flash streets coverage.
Late-Week Outlook
Once the front clears, Wednesday should feel noticeably cooler and drier, with highs near 70°F. Rain chances return late Thursday into Friday before warmer Memorial Day conditions move in, with highs possibly climbing into the mid-80s. For the latest watches and warnings, keep an eye on the National Weather Service.
