It’s cold. Like, really cold. Honestly, if you stepped outside this morning in St. Louis, you probably felt that immediate sting on your cheeks that only a true January in the Midwest can deliver. We aren’t just talking about a "light sweater" kind of day. We are deep in the grip of an Arctic air mass that has turned the Gateway City into a temporary outpost of the North Pole.
The weather in St Louis Missouri today, Saturday, January 17, 2026, is basically a lesson in endurance.
Right now, the mercury is hovering at a crisp 23°F, but don’t let that number fool you. With the wind coming out of the west at about 7 mph, the feels-like temperature is a biting 15°F. If you’re heading out to Grab a coffee or walk the dog, you’ve gotta layer up. Seriously.
What to Expect for the Rest of Saturday
The sky is doing that weird Missouri thing where it can't quite decide what it wants to be. We’re looking at partly sunny skies for a good chunk of the day, but those clouds are stubborn.
Highs are only going to reach 25°F. That is well below the typical upper 30s we usually see this time of year. There’s also a lingering 35% chance of snow during the daylight hours. It’s mostly light showers and flurries—nothing that’s going to require a shovel, but enough to make the roads a bit "kinda" slick if you aren't careful.
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- Current Temp: 23°F
- Daytime High: 25°F
- Wind: West at 12 mph
- Precipitation: 35% chance of snow flurries
Humidity is sitting at 42%, so the air is dry. You’ll probably feel it in your skin and throat by the end of the day.
The Polar Vortex is Lurking
You might have heard the buzz about the Polar Vortex. It’s not just a fancy weather term; it’s a massive area of low pressure and cold air that usually stays up by the poles. This week, it’s stretching. When it stretches, it leaks all that frigid Canadian air straight down into the Midwest.
National Weather Service meteorologist Jared Maples mentioned earlier this week that this pattern is likely to stick around. We’ve had a few weeks of "fake spring," but winter is officially back with a vengeance. This isn't a one-day fluke; it’s a persistent pattern that might hold on through late January.
Tonight’s Deep Freeze
If you think the afternoon is chilly, wait until the sun goes down. The low tonight is dropping to 13°F.
The clouds are expected to clear out after midnight, leaving us with a clear but freezing night. The wind chill values are the real story here, though. With the wind continuing to blow from the west, it’s going to feel significantly colder than the actual air temperature. We are talking wind chills that could dip toward the single digits.
If you have pets, bring them in. If you have sensitive plants, they’re probably already toast, but definitely don't leave them exposed tonight.
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Survival Tips for a St. Louis Winter Day
Most people get winter wrong by wearing one giant coat and nothing else. Layering is the only way to survive the weather in St Louis Missouri today without shivering your teeth loose.
- Base Layer: Something moisture-wicking. Even when it’s 20 degrees, you don't want sweat sitting on your skin.
- Middle Layer: Fleece or wool. This is your insulation.
- Outer Shell: Something that stops the wind. That 12 mph west wind will cut right through a knitted sweater.
Also, check your tire pressure. These sudden drops in temperature make the air in your tires contract, which is why everyone's "low pressure" light seems to come on at the exact same time in January.
Looking Ahead to Sunday and Monday
Tomorrow isn't providing much of a reprieve. We’re looking at highs in the lower 30s, which feels like a heatwave compared to today, but it’s still cold.
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There’s another chance for flurries Sunday afternoon. Then, for Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, the sun comes back out, but the temperature drops again with a high of only 22°F. It’s a bit of a roller coaster, but the track is mostly downhill for now.
Basically, the "Big Chill" is here for the foreseeable future.
Actionable Advice for St. Louis Residents
- Drip those faucets: If your pipes are prone to freezing, tonight is the night to let them trickle.
- Check on neighbors: Especially the elderly who might be struggling with the heating costs or the physical toll of the cold.
- Vehicle Prep: Keep a blanket and a small shovel in your trunk. It sounds paranoid until you’re stuck on I-64 waiting for a tow.
- Limit Exposure: If you don't have to be out for long periods, don't be. Frostbite can happen faster than you think when the wind chill hits those mid-teens.
Stay warm, St. Louis. Keep the hot cocoa nearby and maybe stay inside and catch up on some shows. This Arctic blast isn't going anywhere just yet.