St. Louis, Missouri is gearing up for a hot and stormy weekend, with scattered thunderstorms expected to impact the area on Saturday afternoon. According to the National Weather Service, these storms could start developing after 2 p.m. and continue into the early evening. The strongest storms are likely to form near the I-55 and I-70 corridors, impacting areas such as St. Louis, St. Charles, and Jefferson counties in Missouri, as well as Madison and St. Clair counties in Illinois. These storms are expected to bring gusty winds, torrential rain, and possible street flooding.
In addition to the thunderstorms, Saturday will see intense summer heat. Highs will reach around 94°F, with heat index values climbing close to 100°F. The increased cloud cover throughout the morning will signal the start of storm development, and the risk of lightning and downpours will peak by late afternoon. It’s important for residents to prepare for both the heat and the potential for severe weather. Drivers should avoid flooded roads, as heavy rain could cause street flooding, and non-essential travel should be delayed until conditions improve. Those planning outdoor events should keep a close eye on weather updates and ensure their devices are fully charged in case of power outages.
Looking ahead, storm chances will continue into Sunday evening, with a 40% chance of storms expected. The high on Sunday will be around 91°F, with the risk of evening thunderstorms likely bringing some relief from the heat. On Monday, thunderstorms are expected to return, especially in the evening, with a high of 90°F. This will set up an unsettled start to the final days of June, with unpredictable weather likely to continue.
However, there is some relief in sight for Independence Day Eve, Tuesday, July 2. The forecast calls for mostly sunny skies and drier conditions, with a high of 89°F. This break from the storms will offer a brief respite before the weather unsettles again. Storm chances are expected to return by July 2, which may impact the start of the holiday week.
Here’s the five-day forecast for St. Louis:
Saturday, June 28: High 94°F, scattered afternoon storms, hot and humid.
Sunday, June 29: High 91°F, evening storms likely.
Monday, June 30: High 90°F, thunderstorms likely at night.
Tuesday, July 2: High 89°F, mostly sunny and drier.
Wednesday, July 2: High 92°F, PM storm chances return.
For anyone with weekend travel plans or outdoor activities, it’s crucial to stay weather-aware and be prepared for sudden changes. With the combination of intense heat and thunderstorms, it’s important to stay hydrated, protect yourself from the sun, and avoid driving through flooded areas. Keep monitoring local weather reports for updated information on the storm chances and make adjustments to your plans as needed.