St. Louis is starting Friday with clear skies and temperatures around 75 degrees, but the day will turn dangerously hot in a hurry. The high is expected to reach 101 degrees, with the heat index climbing as high as 108.
An Extreme Heat Warning is in effect across the St. Louis area through 8 p.m. Saturday, with heat index values reaching up to 110 in parts of the warned region. The National Weather Service says heat-related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat and high humidity events.
Afternoon Heat Will Be The Main Threat
Temperatures are expected to reach 90 degrees by late morning and rise to around 100 to 101 degrees between midafternoon and early evening. Southwest winds will remain light at about 5 mph, offering little relief from the heat.
Friday night will stay unusually warm, with a low near 77 degrees and heat index values as high as 106. Saturday will bring another mostly sunny day with a high near 101 and a heat index near 108, while the chance of rain remains low.
A few isolated showers or thunderstorms are possible Friday or Saturday afternoon and evening, especially south and east of the city, but any storms should be brief and localized. Rain is unlikely to make a meaningful dent in the weekend heat.
Labor Day Brings A Modest Break
Temperatures ease Sunday, with a sunny high near 95, followed by a high near 93 on Labor Day. Overnight lows should fall into the lower 70s, including around 70 Sunday night, as somewhat drier air filters into the region.
The break will be temporary. Sunny and hot conditions return Tuesday and Wednesday, with highs near 98 and 101 degrees, respectively, before a slight chance of showers arrives late Wednesday night into Thursday.
Where To Get Heat Assistance
People who need information about cooling centers or energy assistance can call the United Way of Greater Saint Louis at 800-427-4626, or dial 2-1-1 from a landline. Cool Down Saint Louis can also be reached at 314-241-7668.
Residents should limit strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day, drink plenty of water and check on older adults, children and anyone without reliable air conditioning.
