ST. LOUIS — The first round of wintery weather for the season is on deck. Rain has transitioned to freezing drizzle and then we will see a touch of sleet, also light snow.
The National Weather Service issued a Winter Weather Advisory for the counties highlighted in purple below. The advisory will expire at 6 a.m. Sunday. These counties will see snow, sleet and ice accumulations.
Temperatures continue to fall Saturday evening, dropping to freezing and below. Freezing drizzle has been reported in the trees west of the metro. Elevated surfaces will get slick first.
A note for travelers -- colder air has already hit areas west and north of the 5 On Your Side coverage area. Kansas City and Columbia are seeing morning snow and wintry mix.
Let's talk totals: For the 5 On Your Side coverage area, snow will be minimal. As always, some bands of snow will be heavier than others. Most areas around the metro will only see a glazing of ice and 1/2" to 1" of sleet and snow.
Unfortunately, ice will be prevalent as temperatures drop. Many areas, especially west and north of the metro will get a quarter of an inch to three quarters of an inch of sleet.
Ice will accumulate too. The map below is a rough guideline of what to plan for. Up to a tenth of an inch of ice is possible for the areas covered in medium blue. Notice ice potential is greater further west along I-70.
The coldest air of the season slides in this weekend. Tonight's temperatures will plummet into the teens. Highs for Sunday will only make it into the mid 20s, more teens Sunday night.
Looking beyond, the next chance of snow is Thursday. We are not expecting a Winter mix on Thursday as very cold air returns.
