Weather News

Severe storms could bring damaging winds, large hail, tornadoes to KC area. Here’s when

In addition to dangerously hot conditions, there’s a potential for strong to severe storms moving through the Kansas City area Wednesday afternoon and evening, according to the National Weather Service. Damaging winds and large hail will be the primary threats, but tornadoes cannot be ruled out.
In addition to dangerously hot conditions, there’s a potential for strong to severe storms moving through the Kansas City area Wednesday afternoon and evening, according to the National Weather Service. Damaging winds and large hail will be the primary threats, but tornadoes cannot be ruled out. National Weather Service in Kansas City

Strong to severe thunderstorms will be possible as dangerously hot conditions return to parts of the Kansas City area on Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service.

The storms are expected to sweep through the region in the afternoon and evening, bringing the chance of large hail, damaging winds and maybe some tornadoes, the weather service said.

Areas east of the immediate Kansas City metro area from central Missouri into southern Illinois are at a greater risk of seeing the severe weather and tornadoes, according to the National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center.

Cloud cover and rain from morning thunderstorms could “significantly affect the forecast,” the weather service said.

Local Radar Image

The Kansas City area is under a heat advisory from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. Wednesday as portions of east, central and northeast Kansas and central, northwest and west-central Missouri could see heat index values soar up to 110 degrees, according to the weather service.

Dangerously hot conditions will most likely be along and south of Interstate 70.

“Uncertainty exists north of the Missouri River due to potential for cloud cover to linger through the day,” the weather service said. “If cloud cover can erode, heat indices will climb into the 100-105 range.”

Otherwise, they are more likely remain in the 90s.

Chances of showers and thunderstorms continue through the end of the week and into the weekend. Temperatures, however, are expected to fall back to near normal, which is 89 degrees for this time of year in the metro.

Drier air and cooler conditions are expected next week, with temperatures possibly being five to 10 degrees below normal, the weather service said.

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.


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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