St. Louis is currently in the grip of an intense Arctic blast, bringing life-threatening cold, heavy snowfall, and treacherous road conditions. As temperatures plunge well below freezing, the National Weather Service is warning residents to stay indoors, limit travel, and prepare for dangerously cold wind chills.
The extreme cold is making roads and highways hazardous, forcing flight cancellations and creating significant disruptions across the city. With frostbite possible in under 30 minutes and dangerously icy roads, officials are urging residents to take this winter storm seriously.
How Cold Will It Get? A Day-by-Day Breakdown
The coldest air of the season is settling over St. Louis, bringing a mix of snow, subzero wind chills, and brutally cold mornings. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:
- Wednesday, February 19: A dangerously cold day, with highs only reaching 19°F (-7°C). A few flurries are possible, but the biggest concern will be the wind chill, making it feel like -10°F or colder.
- Thursday, February 20: Another brutally cold morning, with lows near 0°F (-18°C). Highs will barely reach 19°F (-7°C), keeping the city in a deep freeze.
- Friday, February 21: Some relief arrives, with temperatures climbing to 26°F (-3°C), but it will still feel bitterly cold.
- Saturday, February 22: Finally, a break in the cold! Highs will rise to 43°F (6°C), melting some of the ice and snow.
- Sunday, February 23: A much warmer day with a high of 50°F (10°C), making it feel like a completely different season.
- Monday, February 24: Spring-like warmth returns, with highs reaching 55°F (13°C).
While the end of the cold is in sight, residents still need to prepare for several more days of dangerous conditions before relief arrives.
Why Is It So Cold? Understanding This Arctic Blast
The extreme cold gripping St. Louis is the result of a powerful Arctic air mass moving south from Canada. As this frigid air pushes into the Midwest, temperatures drop dramatically, and wind chills make it feel even colder.
This isn’t just a typical winter storm—it’s an Arctic outbreak that’s forcing temperatures 20 to 30 degrees below normal for this time of year.
Meteorologists are warning that wind chills could reach -15°F to -30°F in some areas, making it dangerous to be outside for long periods.
How This Cold Snap Is Impacting St. Louis
1. Dangerous Travel Conditions
- Roads are covered in ice and snow, making driving extremely hazardous.
- Multiple crashes have been reported on major highways, including I-44 and I-49.
- Officials are urging residents to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary.
2. Flight Delays and Cancellations
- Lambert-St. Louis International Airport has reported dozens of delays and cancellations.
- Travelers are advised to check flight statuses before heading to the airport.
- Airport crews are working around the clock to keep runways clear, but de-icing efforts are slowing down departures.
3. Health Risks: Frostbite and Hypothermia
With wind chills dipping well below zero, frostbite can occur in as little as 10-30 minutes if skin is exposed.
- Wear layers, gloves, hats, and scarves when outside.
- Limit time outdoors—prolonged exposure can lead to hypothermia.
- Check on elderly neighbors and those without adequate heating.
What Should You Do to Stay Safe?
With several more days of Arctic cold ahead, it’s important to take steps to protect yourself, your family, and your home.
1. Protect Your Pipes from Freezing
- Let faucets drip overnight to prevent pipes from freezing.
- Keep cabinet doors open to allow warm air to circulate around pipes.
2. Keep Your Home Warm and Safe
- Use space heaters cautiously—keep them away from curtains, furniture, and flammable materials.
- Never use your oven or stove to heat your home—it can cause carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Stock up on extra blankets and warm clothing in case of power outages.
3. Drive Only If Necessary
- Bridges and overpasses will freeze first—take extra caution when driving.
- If you must travel, keep an emergency kit in your car with blankets, food, and water.
- Check road conditions before heading out.
When Will It Warm Up?
The good news is that this Arctic blast won’t last forever.
By Saturday, February 22, temperatures will climb back into the 40s, and by Monday, February 24, highs will reach the mid-50s.
However, until then, the city remains locked in extreme cold, and residents should remain on high alert for icy roads, frostbite risks, and power outages.
Final Thoughts: Stay Safe, St. Louis!
This Arctic blast is no joke. With wind chills well below zero, icy roads, and widespread flight cancellations, St. Louis is facing one of its coldest stretches in recent years.
- For now, the best thing you can do is:
- Stay indoors as much as possible.
- Bundle up and protect yourself from frostbite.
- Check on neighbors and loved ones who may need assistance.
- Drive carefully and avoid unnecessary travel.
