Mostly Sunny
Highest listed rain chance in the game window is 20%.
Bring a rain layer and check delay updates before leaving.
Tickets, team gear, and weather gear should support the forecast, not distract from it.
Busch Stadium hosts a National League division matchup this afternoon as the Cardinals (53-51, winners of one straight) host the Reds (48-55, losers of one straight) for a 1:15 PM CDT first pitch on July 26, 2026. Bottom line: it’s a scorcher, with a high near 98°F, a heat index as high as 117, and a slight 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms sliding through the game window.
Game Weather Bottom Line
The National Weather Service has St. Louis topping out near 98°F today under partly sunny skies, with south wind running just 1 to 5 mph. That won’t feel like a breeze — it’ll feel like an oven, with heat index values climbing as high as 117°F during the afternoon. There’s a slight chance (20%) of showers and thunderstorms between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m., which overlaps the entire first pitch window. Tonight cools only to a low around 79, still muggy with a heat index up to 115.
Rain Delay And Wind Risk
Wind isn’t the story here — 1 to 5 mph out of the south won’t affect flight paths or flags in center field. Rain is a minor factor: a 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms in the 11 a.m.-to-5 p.m. window means most of the game should stay dry, but a passing pop-up storm during the early innings isn’t out of the question. Keep an eye on the sky if clouds build mid-afternoon, and don’t be surprised by a brief delay rather than a washout.
What To Wear And Bring
Dress for the heat index, not just the thermometer. Light, breathable fabrics, a hat, and sunglasses are non-negotiable for a 1:15 PM start under a near-98°F sun. A St. Louis Cardinals fitted cap or a St. Louis Cardinals t-shirt beats a heavier jersey today — you want airflow, not extra layers. Sunscreen stick SPF 50 is worth tossing in your bag before you leave the house, since you’ll be exposed through the hottest stretch of the afternoon. Given that slight storm chance, a stadium rain poncho packed away is smarter than hauling a full umbrella that blocks the view of the person behind you.
Tailgating And Arrival Window
If you’re tailgating, get to the lots early and seek shade — asphalt in direct sun compounds a heat index already flirting with triple digits. Hydrate well before first pitch, and pace the pregame spread; heat like this sneaks up fast. A waterproof stadium bag keeps sunscreen, a phone, and a poncho dry and organized if that pop-up storm chance materializes, and it’s easier to carry through gates than a cooler. Plan to be in your seats a little before 1:15 PM CDT — with the heat this intense, less time standing around outside means less exposure overall.
Tickets, Team Gear, And Useful Links
This is a division game between two Central-division rivals jockeying in the standings, so seats could move if either side is looking to build momentum off its recent streak. If you still need to lock in a spot, check Get tickets on SeatGeek or Find tickets on StubHub before gates open. For gear, the St. Louis Cardinals jersey and St. Louis Cardinals fitted cap are solid picks for showing support, though on a 98°F day the lighter St. Louis Cardinals t-shirt will keep you more comfortable through nine innings. Kids chasing batting practice homers might appreciate a baseball glove in tow, too.
Bottom line for today at Busch: brutal heat is the headline, not the rain. Hydrate, shade up, and keep a poncho within reach just in case that 20% chance turns into a real cell.