St. Louis woke up Sunday to a wall of river fog and sticky air in the mid-70s, with visibility knocked down to around 4 miles. That hazy, muggy start is just the warm-up for a brutal stretch of heat today and Monday, as highs soar into the upper 90s and the air turns dangerously oppressive. Forecasters warn that the mix of heat and humidity will push the "feels like" temperatures well above 110°F, posing a serious risk to anyone working or exercising outside.
Highs are expected to reach about 98°F Sunday and 99°F Monday, with heat index values topping out around 115 to 117°F. There is a slight, roughly 20% chance of isolated storms between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. each day. Any storm that pops could bring strong wind gusts but should be short-lived. The National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Heat Warning from 11 a.m. Sunday, July 26, through 9 p.m. Monday, July 27, and is urging residents to take the conditions seriously, according to NWS St. Louis.
When Relief Arrives
Some relief should start to creep in on Tuesday, when a weak front edges into the region and knocks humidity down a notch. Highs will dip into the low to mid-90s, with temperatures trending closer to typical late-July levels by midweek. That shift will reduce heat stress for most people, although isolated showers or storms remain possible later in the week, according to NWS St. Louis.
Cooling Centers and Local Help
Residents without air conditioning, as well as anyone checking on older neighbors or people with medical issues, are urged to find cooling sites or call for help rather than trying to tough it out at home. For lists of cooling centers and utility-assistance programs, call United Way at 2-1-1 (or 1-800-427-4626), or look up local efforts such as CoolDown St. Louis. Details and phone numbers are available through HeatUp St. Louis / CoolDown St. Louis.
What To Do Today
Limit strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day, drink plenty of water, and take frequent breaks in air-conditioned spaces. Never leave children or pets in parked vehicles, even for a short time. Call 911 immediately if someone shows signs of heat stroke, including confusion, loss of consciousness, or skin that is hot and dry instead of sweaty.
