Kansas City set record for heat; now comes thunderstorms and possibility of light snow
Welcome to that time of year in Kansas City where the switching of seasons can bring record heat, severe thunderstorms and maybe some snow to the metro — all in a matter of days.
Unseasonably warm weather broke a 121-year-old record at Kansas City International Airport on Wednesday as temperatures climbed to 84 degrees in the afternoon. The previous record for day was 80 degrees, set back in 1901, according to the National Weather Service in Kansas City.
Temperatures on Wednesday were also the earliest that Kansas City has hit 84 degrees in its 134 year record. The previous record was March 5, set in 1956, the weather service said.
Typically, temperatures reach only the low 50s this time of year in Kansas City. The weather conditions seen on Wednesday were more typically of what the metro sees in June.
Kansas City’s temperatures in March, however, have been increasing over the years due to climate change, according to Climate Central, an independent climate change research organization.
Weather conditions will be cooler Thursday, although temperatures will remain slightly above normal. A warm up is expected for the weekend with temperatures in the upper 60s to low 70s on Friday and Saturday.
There’s a chance for isolated strong to severe thunderstorms Saturday afternoon and evening. Strong, damaging winds, frequent lighting and isolated pockets of hail are possible, according to the weather service.
Areas in northern Missouri and Iowa have the greater chances of seeing the stronger storms.
The weather service is urging people to stay weather aware for the chance of severe weather on Saturday.
Temperatures are expected to tumble into the 40s on Sunday and then the upper 30s and low 40s on Monday.
Rain and snow are also possible Sunday into Monday, with only minor snow accumulations possible, the weather service said.
