Cold rain spreading across Kansas City metro. When will it switch over to snow?
Precipitation from a strong storm system started falling Wednesday afternoon and is expected to spread over much of the metro area, according to the National Weather Service.
“Fortunately, with temps in the 40s, it’s a cold rain (melting just above the surface),” the weather service said on social media. “But . . . snow is still expected later as temps cool into the mid-30s.”
The rain could mix with a dust plume that stretches from Mexico to the western Great Lakes, leading to “dirty rain” or “mud rain” that leaves behind muddy or colored spots after the rain evaporates.
The weather service in a later post on social media that snow was falling in the Kansas City metro, but it was melting before it hit the ground.
After reaching nearly 70 degrees earlier Wednesday, temperatures plunged to 45 degrees shortly before 1 p.m. at Kansas City International Airport.
Temperatures are expected to continue their downward spiral, falling into the the 30s in the evening.
Snow is expected across the region, but the highest accumulations — up to an inch — are expected to remain north of U.S. 36 across northern Missouri.
“With the strong winds already in place, blowing snow could make travel increasingly hazardous with reduced visibilities,” the weather service said.
A winter weather advisory for Atchison, Holt and Nodaway counties in Missouri continues to 11 p.m. Wednesday.
Travelers heading through the area should plan on slippery roads. The hazardous conditions could impact the evening commute.
“Everywhere else is anticipated to receive somewhat minimal driving impacts,” the weather service said. “A few slick spots are possible, so use caution when driving, especially over elevated surfaces.”
The snow is expected to move out of the area late Wednesday.
Meanwhile, a high wind warning is in effect for areas along and north of a line from the Kansas City metro to Kirksville, where wind gusts of 50 to 60 mph are possible. The strong gusts are expected to continue into early Thursday.
South of that line, a wind advisory is in effect. Wind gusts of 40 to 50 mph are likely. Meanwhile, a red flag warning will be in effect from late morning to mid-afternoon for areas along and east of U.S. 63.
