St. Louis woke up Thursday, July 9, to thick fog, soupy humidity and a sticky 73°F just before sunrise around 5:40 a.m. The patchy fog should lift by mid-morning, but the heat will ramp up into the low 90s and feel even hotter, even in the shade. Scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected to bubble up this afternoon and could easily interrupt commutes and outdoor plans.
Afternoon Severe Storm Risk
Some of those storms this afternoon and evening could turn severe, with the potential for damaging wind gusts, large hail and a few brief tornadoes, along with pockets of locally heavy rain. Forecasters are calling for roughly a 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms during the day and a slightly higher chance overnight, with heat-index values possibly pushing into the low 100s. These details come from the latest forecast discussion, so check for updates before heading out, according to the National Weather Service.
Tonight And Friday
Additional rounds of storms are on the table tonight and again Friday afternoon and evening, with more quick-hitting downpours possible. At this point, widespread flooding does not appear likely. If you have outdoor plans Friday, it may be wise to shift them earlier or move them indoors and keep a close watch on changing conditions. For a deeper look at this week’s heat-and-storm setup and local cooling options, revisit our July 8 forecast.
How To Prepare
Make sure phones are charged and weather alerts are turned on, avoid driving through flooded streets and be ready to head inside quickly if lightning or severe-wind warnings are issued. Try to limit strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day, drink plenty of water and check in on neighbors who might struggle with the heat. Tie down or bring in loose outdoor furniture, and allow extra time for afternoon and evening travel in case storms slow things down.
