St. Louis rolled out of bed to hot, muggy air and cloudless skies, and the city is staring down another round of dangerous heat today. Afternoon highs are set to climb into the upper 90s, with overnight lows stuck near the upper 70s, so there will be very little cooldown after dark. The most oppressive heat is expected from late morning into the afternoon, when heat index values should jump into the 105–110°F range. An Extreme Heat Warning remains in effect across the metro through Friday, July 3, so outdoor work and summer fun will need to be planned around stubbornly warm evenings.
What To Expect Today
Sun will dominate, helping push temperatures to around 97°F this afternoon. A light south breeze will not offer much relief during peak heating, and heat index readings are likely to top 107°F during the hottest part of the day. Overnight, temperatures will only slip back into the upper 70s, keeping things uncomfortably warm. These details line up with the latest forecast from the National Weather Service.
Where To Cool Off
If your air conditioning is unreliable or nonexistent, you are urged to use city and county cooling centers, public libraries, and recreation centers. Anyone needing immediate assistance can dial 2-1-1 to get connected with local resources. Heat Up St. Louis keeps a running list of official cooling centers and partner agencies that may be able to help with utility bills or AC needs. Try to schedule errands, workouts, and outdoor time around access to an air conditioned spot during the hottest hours.
Afternoon Storm Chances
A strong cap in the atmosphere over the region is expected to weaken some on Thursday, which should allow a few isolated, pulse-style thunderstorms to pop up late in the day. Coverage looks limited and any storms that do form should be brief. Independence Day, Saturday, July 4, is forecast to be mostly sunny with a chance of showers or thunderstorms, and any storms could bring quick downpours and gusty winds but are not expected to break the heat. For the latest on timing and coverage, check the full forecast discussion from the National Weather Service.
Heat Safety Tips
Stay on top of hydration, stick to air conditioned spaces whenever you can, and never leave children or pets in a parked car, even for a short time. Heat stroke is a medical emergency, so call 911 right away if someone becomes confused, develops a very high body temperature, or collapses. Outdoor workers should shift the heaviest tasks to early morning or later in the evening and take frequent breaks in the shade or indoors. For a rundown of heat illness symptoms and how to respond, see the guidance from the CDC.
