St. Louis residents should keep their umbrellas handy and prepare for a series of thunderstorms forecasted to roll through the region starting Sunday night, with potential severe weather into the early part of the week. The National Weather Service in St. Louis updated their weather outlook early this morning, highlighting a sunny day today with highs nearing 77°F and winds that could gust as high as 26 mph. However, changes are on the horizon as partly cloudy skies tonight will give way to potential hazardous conditions in the days to come.

According to the NWS' latest forecast, the workweek will kick off with showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 1pm on Monday, followed by more showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. The high is anticipated to be near 79°F with an east wind blowing at 7 to 9 mph, and the thunderstorms are not just a one-off. The chance of precipitation ramps up to 100% Monday night, with more thunderstorms likely, then showers and possibly another thunderstorm after 1am.

As Missouri and southwestern Illinois brace for this bout of inclement weather, the Hazardous Weather Outlook advises residents across a broad swath of the region to stay alert. "Periods of thunderstorms are likely Sunday through Tuesday and there is a chance for thunderstorms Wednesday," the Outlook states. The potential for severe weather escalates into Sunday night and Monday afternoon into the evening, so the community should remain vigilant during these periods.

While the National Weather Service does not currently anticipate the need for spotter activation, they do stress being prepared for a soggy few days. The extended forecast from Tuesday into midweek still includes more showers and possible thunderstorms, with a roller coaster of temperatures—a high of 79°F on a wet Tuesday dips into a cooler 63°F on Wednesday. Thunderstorms might taper off somewhat toward the end of the week, but St. Louis can still expect a 20% chance of showers on Thursday and Friday, with some sun peeking through the clouds.

For those looking to stay informed on the developing weather situation, up-to-date information can be found on the National Weather Service's website or by tuning into local weather bulletins.