Weather News

Snow could fall as strong cold front races across Kansas City area. Here’s what to expect

A fast moving cold front will likely send temperatures plunging across the Kansas City area Thursday afternoon. Rain is expected throughout the day with the possibility of a band of snow developing as the colder air moves in, according to the National Weather Service in Kansas City.
A fast moving cold front will likely send temperatures plunging across the Kansas City area Thursday afternoon. Rain is expected throughout the day with the possibility of a band of snow developing as the colder air moves in, according to the National Weather Service in Kansas City. National Weather Service in Kansas City

Cold air is expected to flood into the Kansas City area Thursday afternoon as a strong cold front barrels through, bringing the chance for light snow, according to the National Weather Service in Kansas City.

Snow accumulations are not expected to amount to much — less than half an inch, according to the weather service. If it does develop, the brief band of snow would arrive in the metro area between 6 and 9 p.m.

A wind advisory has been issued for the Kansas City region with gusts of up to 40 mph possible.

Rain is also expected to move into the area during the morning. A few thunderstorms are possible south of Interstate 70 in the afternoon.

Local Radar Image

The cold front is expected to move into the northwest corner of Missouri by noon and reach Kansas City between 2 and 3 p.m. and Sedalia and Kirksville between 5 and 6 p.m. Rain showers will be at their heaviest when the front passes, according to the weather service.

The front will also usher in colder air, which will send temperatures tumbling below freezing. Rain could briefly become ice pellets before transitioning over to snow, according to the weather service.

Gusty winds are expected to continue the next several days, with the strongest gusts expected Thursday evening into Friday morning, according to the weather service.

Temperatures are also expected to be near 60 degrees before Thursday afternoon before falling. Conditions will remain well below normal through the weekend.

Temperatures will reach the lower 40s on Friday, lower 30s on Saturday and upper 30s on Sunday. Typically, temps are in the mid-50s this time of year in Kansas City.

Weather watches and warnings

A live data feed from the National Weather Service containing official weather warnings, watches, and advisory statements. Tap warning areas for more details. Sources: NOAA, National Weather Service, NOAA GeoPlatform and Esri.


This story was originally published March 16, 2023 at 8:34 AM.

Robert A. Cronkleton
The Kansas City Star
Robert A. Cronkleton is a breaking news reporter for The Kansas City Star, covering crime, courts, transportation, weather and climate. He’s been at The Star for 36 years. His skills include multimedia and data reporting and video and audio editing. Support my work with a digital subscription
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