Widespread storms moving into KC area. How long could thunderstorms & downpours last?
Keep that rain gear handy, Kansas City, as storms are expected to move into the area Thursday bringing widespread showers and thunderstorms, according to the National Weather Service.
The much-needed rain, which could be heavy at times, is expected to move into the metro area later Thursday morning and linger into Friday. Showers and thunderstorms will become more numerous throughout the day, the weather service said.
While widespread severe weather is not expected, a strong storm may be possible Thursday afternoon in the far southwest parts of the Kansas City forecast area, the weather service said.
The main storm system is expected to enter the region from the southwest moving to the northeast. The primary threat from the storms is heavy rainfall. Some areas south and west of the Kansas City area could see gusty winds and hail Thursday morning.
Although heavy rainfall is the primary threat, flash flooding is not likely because dry conditions over the past several weeks will allow the ground to soak up a lot of water, the weather service said.
“That said, pooling and ponding from runoff is plausible should a storm have a high rainfall rate,” the weather service said in its forecast discussion. “As always, exercise caution when traveling and be mindful of flooding areas.”
Weekend forecast for Kansas City
The showers and thunderstorms are expected to linger most of the day on Friday.
Between one and two inches of rainfall is expected in the Kansas City area from the storms over the next couple of days. Some areas could see higher amounts.
Temperatures are expected to be in the low to mid-50s on Thursday and Friday. The normal temperature for this time of year in Kansas City is 52.
Cooler air will filter in behind the storms, limiting temperatures to the upper 40s despite sunny skies on Saturday in Kansas City.
Sunny skies will continue Sunday as temperatures will rebound into the low 60s. Unseasonably warm weather returns early next week, with temperatures soaring into the 70s, according to the weather service.
This story was originally published March 7, 2024 at 7:06 AM.
