St. Louis Braces for Stormy Friday After Foggy Thursday

Patchy dense fog and showers slow Thursday's commute, but warmer, gusty conditions could bring severe storms Friday night.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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St. Louis started Thursday, March 5, 2026, in a murky haze, with patchy to locally dense fog and rain showers likely before 8 a.m. Forecasters are calling for mostly cloudy skies the rest of the day, with a high near 67°F. However, Friday looks much different, with highs expected to surge to around 79°F, south winds near 9 to 17 mph, and gusts that could push into the 30s. Showers and thunderstorms are forecast to redevelop Friday evening into Saturday morning, setting up a bumpy ride to the weekend.

Why it matters

The shift from a foggy, rainy Thursday to a potentially severe weather event on Friday is a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of spring weather in the Midwest. Residents and commuters need to stay vigilant and prepared for rapidly changing conditions that could impact travel, outdoor plans, and public safety.

The details

A Dense Fog Advisory covered parts of the region early Thursday, cutting visibility to a quarter mile or less in spots. Drivers were urged to allow extra time, slow down, and stick with low beams. Showers should taper by mid-morning, but some fog and slick pavement may linger, particularly in low-lying neighborhoods. On Friday, the National Weather Service has flagged the potential for damaging winds and isolated tornadoes, advising residents to stay tuned for watches and warnings late Friday night.

  • Thursday, March 5, 2026 - Patchy dense fog and rain showers likely before 8 a.m.
  • Friday, March 6, 2026 - Highs expected to surge to around 79°F, with south winds near 9 to 17 mph and gusts that could push into the 30s.
  • Friday night into Saturday morning - Showers and thunderstorms are forecast to redevelop, setting up a bumpy ride to the weekend.

The players

National Weather Service St. Louis

The local office of the National Weather Service that provides weather forecasts and warnings for the St. Louis region.

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What’s next

The National Weather Service St. Louis will continue to monitor the situation and issue any necessary watches, warnings, or advisories as the severe weather threat develops on Friday.

The takeaway

The dramatic shift in weather conditions from a foggy, rainy Thursday to a potentially severe weather event on Friday underscores the importance of staying informed, prepared, and adaptable when it comes to spring weather in the Midwest. Residents should heed any weather alerts and take appropriate precautions to ensure their safety.