Dangerous heat, storms, powerful straight-line winds in KC forecast. When will it end?
Scorching temperatures and high humidity will bring another day of dangerously hot weather to Kansas City. Still, a change is coming in the form of severe thunderstorms, according to the National Weather Service.
“One final day of dangerous heat and humidity is expected today, with afternoon highs reaching the middle 90s to near 100, and heat indices in the 105 to 110 range,” the weather service said in its forecast discussion.
Because of the blistering hot weather, the weather service has continued an excessive heat warning until 7 p.m. Wednesday across the entire Kansas City forecast area.
“Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors,” the weather service advised.
Severe weather looming in KC
As if the heat wasn’t enough to contend with, there’s also a chance for severe weather on Wednesday. Some areas could see two rounds of storms.
A cluster of showers and thunderstorms is expected across northeast Missouri and likely will drift towards central Missouri. The weather service said that while strong wind gusts will be possible, the areas at greater risk of severe weather are expected to be east of the Kansas City forecast area.
A second round of storms is expected to form along a cold front over eastern Nebraska and northern Kansas Wednesday afternoon.
Thunderstorms may develop Wednesday evening, particularly in northwest Missouri and northeast Kansas. The weather service said a few of the storms could pack a punch, with damaging winds the most likely hazard.
“Our northwest half of the forecast area has at least some potential for severe weather — specifically strong straight-line winds — this evening,” the weather service said.
There is uncertainty about how long the storms will be organized as they move southeastward.
Relief from oppressive heat in forecast
With the cold front passing through the area, cooler weather is expected in some parts of Kansas City, especially those north of the metro.
“Dangerous heat will still be possible south of I-70 on Thursday,” the weather service said.
Temperatures are expected to be in the lower 90s on Thursday. Typically, Kansas City sees temperatures of 89 degrees this time of year. Temperatures will return closer to normal on Friday and Saturday.
After the next 24 hours, the forecast also appears relatively dry, heading into the weekend.
Another round of extreme heat is expected, beginning on Sunday, with temperatures in the mid-90s. Temperatures will be around 100 degrees on Monday and Tuesday.
According to the extended forecast, above-normal temperatures and precipitation are likely for early to mid-August.
This story was originally published July 31, 2024 at 9:00 AM.
