Right now, if you step outside in St. Louis, you're going to feel a sharp, biting chill that the thermometer isn't fully explaining. It’s early Saturday morning, January 17, 2026, and the current temperature in St. Louis Missouri is sitting at a crisp 24°F. That sounds manageable for a Midwest winter, right?
Well, not exactly.
The real story is the "feels like" factor. Thanks to a steady 10 mph wind blowing in from the west, the air actually feels like 14°F against your skin. That’s a ten-degree "tax" just for being outdoors. Honestly, it's the kind of morning where you regret not finding your heavy gloves last night. The sky is mostly cloudy, keeping the city tucked under a grey blanket while most of us are either nursing a coffee or dreading the walk to the car.
Breaking down the Saturday forecast
We aren't seeing much of a warmup today. The mercury is basically stuck. The high for this Saturday is projected to hit exactly 24°F—which, if you're keeping track, is exactly where we are right now. We've hit the ceiling early.
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Humidity is hovering around 37%, which is relatively dry, but there’s just enough moisture in the air to keep things interesting. You might notice a few stray flakes. There is a 20% chance of snow during the daytime hours. It won't be a blizzard by any stretch, but the mostly cloudy conditions are definitely setting a somber, wintry mood across the metro area.
When the sun goes down tonight, the clouds are expected to clear out. While clear skies usually sound nice, in January, it just means all the heat escapes into space. We’re looking at a low of 14°F overnight.
St. Louis weather: The January reality
People often think of St. Louis as having "mild" winters compared to places like Chicago or Minneapolis. Usually, they're right. According to historical data from the National Weather Service and Lambert–St. Louis International Airport, a typical January day sees a high of 41°F.
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Today is significantly colder than that average.
We are currently about 17 degrees below the "normal" high for this time of year. This isn't just a standard winter day; it's a legitimate cold snap. In the past, we've seen Januaries go both ways. Back in 2020, Missouri had its warmest December-January period since 2011. But then you look at January 2025, which was the coldest in over a decade. St. Louis is basically a battleground where cold Canadian air and moist Gulf air fight for dominance. Today, Canada is winning.
What you actually need to know for today
If you’re heading out to the Delmar Loop or just running to the grocery store, layers are your best friend. The 16 mph wind gusts expected later today will make that 24°F feel even more aggressive.
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- Wind Chill Awareness: With a "feels like" temp of 14°F, exposed skin can start to get uncomfortable fast.
- Driving Conditions: That 20% chance of snow isn't much, but on cold pavement, even a dusting can create slick spots on overpasses.
- Pet Safety: If it's too cold for you to stand outside in a light jacket for ten minutes, it's too cold for the dog.
Basically, the current temperature in St. Louis Missouri is a reminder that winter in the 314 doesn't play around. We might get 60-degree days in February, but for this Saturday, it's all about the parka and the heater.
The UV index is sitting at a 0 right now, moving to a 1 later, so don't worry about sun protection. Just focus on staying warm. The wind is coming from the west, so if you're walking east-west, you’re going to feel it right in your face.
Keep an eye on the sky; while the precipitation chance is low at 10% for the night, the transition from mostly cloudy to clear can sometimes trigger a few final flurries. It’s a typical, brisk, "Gateway to the West" kind of winter day. Stay warm out there.
Actionable Next Steps:
Check your tire pressure this morning; these sudden drops in temperature often trigger "low pressure" sensors. If you have outdoor pipes that aren't insulated, tonight's drop to 14°F is the time to make sure your crawl space vents are closed and your indoor faucets have a tiny drip to prevent freezing.