Rounds of severe weather possible. Here’s when thunderstorms could reach Kansas City
Severe thunderstorms fueled by hot and humid conditions will be possible in the Kansas City area Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service.
A cluster of thunderstorms was tracking south across parts of Nebraska and Iowa and was expected to cross over into northern Missouri Wednesday morning, according to the weather service. A severe thunderstorm watch, which extends as far south as St. Joseph area, has been issued for northern Missouri.
While the storms should begin to drop in intensity once they make it into northern Missouri, damaging winds will be possible. The initial line of storms is expected to move out of the forecast area by late morning, according to the weather service.
The first round of severe weather will likely remain north of the immediate Kansas City metro area, however a boundary will set up that will affect temperatures and where storms develop later in the day, the weather service said.
Because of the morning storms, northern Missouri will be spared from extreme heat as temperatures will likely remain in the mid- to upper 80s.
The Kansas City area and locations to the south could see dangerously hot conditions as temperatures climb as high as 100 degrees. With dew points in the mid-70s, conditions will make for a “very unpleasant afternoon for some,” the weather service said in its forecast discussion.
Heat index values could be as high as 110 degrees, with some isolated locations seeing values soar to near 112 degrees for a brief period, the weather service said.
A heat advisory is in effect for the Kansas City metro and areas south of Interstate 70.
People with outdoor plans should remember to keep hydrated this afternoon, take frequent breaks in air conditioning and consider rescheduling plans, the weather service said.
Another round of severe storms could develop over the area in the afternoon and evening, with the most likely hazards being damaging winds and large hail. The risk of a tornado is very low, the weather service said. However, wind gusts greater than 74 mph will be possible.
There could also be periods of heavy rainfall. Flash flooding looks unlikely due to very dry soil across the area from the drought, the weather service said. The storms are expected to gradually shift southeast out of the area overnight.
This story was originally published July 12, 2023 at 7:59 AM.
