St. Louis is in for a hot, sticky Thursday with a high near 91°F and showers and thunderstorms likely after 11 AM, according to the National Weather Service — so get your morning errands and outdoor time in before lunch, because the afternoon will turn stormy.
Today’s Setup
The NWS St. Louis forecast office says a moisture-rich air mass (PWAT values near 1.8 to 2 inches) combined with a slow-moving mid-level disturbance will fire up scattered storms today, with the best coverage along and south of I-70. Storms are expected to be weakly sheared, so individual cells likely won’t last more than an hour or two, but forecasters note rain rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour are possible, meaning a few spots could pick up quick, heavy downpours along with frequent lightning. No severe thunderstorm outlook has been issued for the area today, but the lightning risk alone is reason to head indoors if a storm rolls through.
Best Window To Be Outside
Morning is your window. If you’re heading to Forest Park for a run, casting a line along the Meramec, or grabbing an early tee time, plan to be done by mid-morning — that’s before the 11 AM storm trend kicks in. Anglers should have a tackle storage kit ready to grab and go quickly if skies darken.
Rain, Wind, Fire, Or Heat Risk
The main hazards today are brief heavy downpours and cloud-to-ground lightning, not damaging wind or hail. Overnight lows only fall to around 75°F with more storms possible Thursday night, so it’ll stay muggy. The bigger heat story is ahead: NWS forecasters say Saturday and Monday bring the best chance of heat index values between 100 and 105 degrees.
Friday’s City SC Game & This Week’s Events
If you’re headed to Energizer Park Friday for St. Louis City SC vs. Sporting Kansas City, expect a hot one — high near 92°F with a heat index up to 102°F and a 40% chance of storms. Tailgate early, hydrate often, and grab a St. Louis City SC scarf or St. Louis City SC jersey for gameday. Get tickets on SeatGeek or Find tickets on StubHub before they’re gone. Tonight, Vince Gill plays Stifel Theatre — a great indoor option if the afternoon storms are still lingering. And if you’re planning further out, The Black Keys bring their Peaches ‘N Kream tour to The Factory on July 19.
What To Wear Or Bring
Light, breathable clothing and a compact rain layer are smart today. If you’re cooling off by the river or a backyard pool this weekend, a 2-Person Intex Floating Lounge with Cooler (deal here) is worth a look. For evening backyard time once storms clear, a TIKI Brand tabletop firepiece adds some ambiance without the smoke risk of a full fire pit.
With storms clearing out by evening, it’s solid grilling weather — fire up the propane gas grill for burgers, steaks, or grilled chicken with corn on the cob. An instant-read meat thermometer and a grill brush and scraper set make cleanup and doneness a lot easier. Need ingredients? You can order groceries on Amazon and have everything for tonight’s dinner delivered to your door.
Next Few Days
Friday stays hot and humid (92°F, heat index 102°F) with a 40% storm chance. NWS forecasters are watching Saturday and Monday as the hottest days of the stretch, with heat index values potentially reaching 100 to 105 degrees — plan indoor breaks and extra water if you’re outside those afternoons. Check the St. Louis weather forecast and outdoor gear deals before you head out this weekend.
