In a twist of meteorological fate, the St. Louis area braces itself for a fresh onslaught of winter weather, marked by an official Weather Impact Alert set for Friday. This announcement emerges in the wake of an expansive winter storm that recently enveloped the region, leaving a frosty imprint on the landscape following a particularly chilly Sunday. A thick layer of snow now lays across the Bi-state area, heavily influencing temperatures that seem reluctant to rise.
As the next storm system takes shape, it appears this one will veer southward, sparing the heart of the city from the heavier precipitation. Instead, we can expect only a light dusting, but don’t let your guard down just yet! The potential for more significant snowfall looms over southeast Missouri and southern Illinois, where nature plans to show its full might.
The National Weather Service has proactively issued Winter Weather Advisories, covering St. Louis and the majority of its viewing area from 6 p.m. Thursday until 6 p.m. Friday. Meanwhile, a stern Winter Storm Warning is in effect for multiple counties south of St. Francois and Ste. Genevieve, extending to Iron, Reynolds, Madison, and Perry counties in Missouri, as well as Jefferson and Randolph counties in Illinois. It’s here where one can expect the snow to pile up in earnest.
The forecast suggests an intriguing trajectory of winter weather stretching from the southern reaches of Texas all the way into parts of Arkansas, southern Missouri, southern Illinois, and on toward Tennessee and Kentucky by the time Friday rolls around. Notably, cities like Little Rock and Memphis could very well see totals surpassing a staggering seven inches!
As we zoom in closer to our local radar, recent models predict that light snow will begin to sieve into the St. Louis area late Thursday night—around the witching hour—and carry through the early hours of Friday. This wintry spectacle should gradually taper off as the day bleeds into evening, gifting us a serene winter scene.
Now, let’s talk probabilities: the likelihood of St. Louis seeing more than an inch of snow has escalated to nearly a sure bet—almost 100%! The chances of accumulating at least two inches have surged past the 90% mark. What’s more, southern counties are flirting with a greater than 50% chance of accumulating a hefty six inches, especially in regions still grappling with the aftermath of the previous storm’s power outages.
One thing is for certain: expect a continuation of below-average temperatures, which promise to linger, casting a wintry chill over the rest of the month. So, whether you’re readying your snow shovels or settling in with a warm drink, the wintery tableau ahead is set to unfold with both beauty and challenge.
