A strong cold front will sweep into Missouri late Wednesday, ushering in a sharp taste of fall as temperatures are expected to plunge well below seasonal averages. The coldest period is expected to span Thursday into Friday, with daytime highs struggling to reach the 60s and nighttime lows dipping into the 40s across much of the state.
The National Weather Service in St. Louis reports an 80 to 90 percent chance that temperatures will be below normal from Thursday through Friday, with forecasters confident in the cooler weather. However, next weekend’s forecast remains uncertain, with some moderation expected but not guaranteed.
The change will be most noticeable in urban areas such as St. Louis and Columbia, where residents may need to bundle up with light jackets during Thursday evening football games and morning commutes. In rural parts of northern and eastern Missouri, lows could drop near 40 degrees, potentially affecting outdoor events and late-season crops.
While no significant rainfall is expected with this system, fields and roads will remain dry. However, drivers should still prepare for brisk mornings and cooler evenings. Local officials are advising residents to dress in layers, check heating systems, and take extra care with vulnerable populations who may be unaccustomed to the early-season chill.
Cooler-than-normal conditions are expected to persist into Friday, though some moderation may occur by next weekend, depending on weather developments.
