Cluster of severe storms track north of KC. Could this be metro’s first 100 degree day?
The Kansas City area could see its hottest day so far this summer as heat and humidity is expected to send temperatures to dangerous levels on Thursday.
But before things start heating up, a cluster of strong to severe thunderstorms was dropping out of southern Nebraska into northern Missouri. Some of the stronger storms could produce wind gusts up to 70 mph and hail up over 1.5 inches in diameter, according to the National Weather Service in Kansas City.
The storms appear as though they will stay north of the Kansas City area. The greatest likelihood for severe storms will be along and north of U.S. 36 highway, which cuts through St. Joseph. A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for northwestern Missouri, including Clinton and Ray counties in the Kansas City area.
In the Kansas City area, afternoon temperatures are expected to climb over 100 degrees, with heat index values rising as high as 107 degrees.
Conditions will be about 20 degrees hotter than what is normal for this time of year. Typically, temperatures are in the upper 80s in late June in Kansas City.
The last time the metro area saw temperatures this hot was on Aug. 6, when it reached 100 degrees. The weather service was encouraging people to wear light color clothing, take frequent breaks and stay hydrated if outdoors.
A heat advisory is in effect for the Kansas City area until 7 p.m. Friday.
Overnight temperatures will drop to just below 80 degrees, which won’t provide much relief from the heat. People without air conditioning in their homes should take cool showers or place cool towels on the neck, underarms and head, according to the weather service.
It will be hot again on Friday with temperatures once again climbing to 100 degrees. The heat index value is expected to as high as 104 degrees, according to the weather service.
There’s a chance for showers and thunderstorms overnight Friday into Saturday.
