Cloudy Skies Today, Frigid Blast Tomorrow: The Calm Before St. Louis’ Winter Storm

A Quiet Thursday Before the Storm

St. Louis residents are waking up to a relatively calm but chilly Thursday, January 22, 2026. While the skies remain mostly cloudy this morning, weather experts are closely monitoring a major Arctic system that is poised to strike the region over the coming weekend. For today, the city can expect a brief reprieve from extreme conditions, though temperatures will begin their downward slide as the day progresses.

Morning and Afternoon Outlook

Current conditions as of 9:00 AM show a temperature of 27°F with 50% humidity. Throughout the morning, cloud cover will persist, keeping the city under a gray blanket. By the afternoon, the high is expected to reach the upper 30s, likely peaking near 39°F. This makes Thursday the warmest day for the foreseeable future, as an intense cold front is currently moving toward the Midwest.

• Morning: Mostly cloudy with temperatures in the high 20s.
• Afternoon: Partly sunny with a high near 39°F; light west winds around 5 mph.
• Precipitation: A minimal 10% chance of flurries today, with no significant accumulation expected before tonight.

Evening Chill and Overnight Alerts

The weather will take a sharper turn toward winter late this evening. As the sun sets, temperatures will drop rapidly into the teens. By the overnight hours, the low is forecasted to hit approximately 10°F to 15°F. Wind patterns will shift from the west to the north, increasing in speed to 10–15 mph. These shifting winds will bring the first taste of dangerous wind chills, which are expected to dip as low as 1 below zero after midnight.

Weather Impact Alert in Effect

Local meteorologists have issued a Weather Impact Alert starting Friday morning and extending through Monday. While today remains manageable, residents are urged to prepare for a significant winter event. A major winter storm is predicted to arrive late Friday night, bringing 4 to 10 inches of snow to the St. Louis area by Sunday. This system will be accompanied by record-breaking Arctic air, with wind chills over the weekend potentially reaching 10 to 20 degrees below zero. Those with travel plans or outdoor responsibilities should use today’s relatively stable weather to complete any necessary winter preparations.