Damaging winds up to 65 mph, possible thunderstorms expected in Kansas City this week
Better check those tie downs on the inflatable holiday decorations, Kansas City. Strong, damaging winds are expected to be blowing through the Kansas City metro area this week.
The National Weather Service in Kansas City has issued a high wind watch for the Kansas City area, saying that wind gusts up to 65 mph are possible and could blow down trees and power lines, creating widespread power outages.
Travel also could be difficult, especially for trucks and other high-profile vehicles.
The watch is in effect Wednesday morning through Wednesday evening. The highest gusts are expected to be between 3 and 9 p.m., according to the weather service.
There is a chance for thunderstorms Wednesday. If storms do develop, some of the storms could be strong to severe with damaging winds as the main threat, according to the weather service.
The strong winds are coming at a time that Kansas City is facing a warming trend with record temperatures likely on Wednesday, according to the weather service’s forecast discussion.
Overland Park and the city of Independence warned on Twitter that the conditions could lead to fires across the metro. Independence extended a burn ban through 8 a.m., Friday, Dec. 17.
Temperatures are expected to be near 60 degrees Monday, low 60s on Tuesday and mid-70s on Wednesday. Record high temperatures are 67 degrees for Dec. 14, recorded in 1933, and 74 degrees for Dec. 15, recorded in 2002.
The hottest December temperature for Kansas City is 74 degrees, set on Dec. 3, 2012, Dec. 5, 2011, and Dec. 6, 1939.
This story was originally published December 13, 2021 at 10:51 AM.
