Extreme Cold Hits Alton, Edwardsville, and Surrounding Areas On Monday, Jan. 26, 2026

ALTON - Marshall Pfahler, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in St. Louis, reported frigid temperatures across the region on Monday morning, Jan. 26, 2026. Alton recorded the lowest temperature at minus 6 degrees, with other areas experiencing similar cold conditions.

According to Pfahler, Cahokia had a low of minus 1 degree, while St. Louis Lambert Airport and Millstadt both registered lows of minus 5 degrees. Wind chills further intensified the cold, dropping temperatures to between minus 15 and minus 22 degrees due to light winds.

Despite the severe cold, temperatures are expected to recover slightly over the course of the week.

Highs on Tuesday and Wednesday are forecast to reach into the 20s and near 30 degrees, though temperatures above freezing remain unlikely, Pfahler said. Later in the week, another cold front is anticipated from Thursday through Saturday, though it is not expected to bring temperatures as low as those seen earlier in the week.

Precipitation chances remain low, with only a slight possibility of light snow during the same period. Pfahler noted that any snowfall would likely be minimal, with accumulations of an inch or two at most.

Looking ahead, the National Weather Service anticipates a warming trend next week, with temperatures likely rising above freezing.