Got weekend plans? Here’s what forecast says about possible thunderstorms in Kansas City
Update: The threat of severe weather in the Kansas City area has increased. Click here for the latest updated forecast for Friday afternoon and evening storms.
You might want to bring an umbrella or rain gear to your plans as showers and thunderstorms will likely rumble through the Kansas City area this weekend, according to the National Weather Service.
But before the weekend officially starts, the metro area faces what will be a hot and humid Friday afternoon, as temperatures are expected to climb into the mid-90s.
With dew points likely to be in the low to middle 70s, heat index values will soar over 100 degrees. The metro area, which is expecting a heat index around 103 degrees, was included in a heat advisory that will be in effect from noon to 8 p.m.
Heat index values up to 110 degrees are possible in Miami and Linn counties in Kansas and Cass, Johnson, Pettis, Bates and Henry counties in Missouri, the weather service said.
“Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors,” the weather service said in its advisory. “Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances.”
The heat and humidity are expected to create conditions that will lead to the development of strong to severe thunderstorms in east central Kansas and western and central Missouri.
The storms will likely roll through Kansas City between 4 p.m. and midnight on Friday. The primary hazards from the storms will be damaging winds and large hail. The risk of tornadoes is low, the weather service said.
Forecasters are confident that thunderstorms will occur, but have lower confidence as to where the storms will track. Scattered storms that are passing through northern Missouri Friday morning will likely have some influence on the redevelopment of storms in the afternoon, the weather service said.
There is a slight chance for showers and thunderstorms Saturday morning. Skies will clear and become mostly sunny by the afternoon, allowing temperatures to climb to around 90 degrees.
Another round of storms is possible Sunday. Showers and thunderstorms will be ongoing in the morning, the weather service said.
There’s potential for severe weather to develop along and ahead of a strong cold front as it drops through the Kansas City area Sunday afternoon and evening, the weather service said in its forecast discussion.
Cooler and drier air will move into the region behind the front. Temperatures on Monday will be nearly 10 degrees below normal. Typically, Kansas City sees temperatures around 88 degrees this time of year.
Weather conditions will be quite comfortable for the start of the work week. Temperatures will warm back to normal by mid-week.
This story was originally published August 11, 2023 at 7:30 AM.
