Lack of rain, gusty winds add to threat of wildfires sparking, spreading in KC area
Warmer than typical weather is expected to persist across the Kansas City area as temperatures continue their roller coaster ride, according to the National Weather Service.
“Afternoon highs today (Friday) are expected to be 5-15 degrees above normal or this time of year,” the weather service said in its forecast discussion. “More specifically, temperatures are forecast to be in the mid- to upper 70s for places north of I-70, with temperatures peaking in the low to mid-80s for places south of I-70.”
The Kansas City metro will see temperatures around 81 degrees. Typically, Kansas City sees temperatures of 72 degrees this time of year.
Summer temperatures return
The start of the weekend will have more of a summertime feel to it as temperatures are expected to rise to about 20 degrees above average for some areas, the weather service said.
In Kansas City, temperatures will likely reach into the low 90s, which would make it one of the hottest Oct. 5s on record. The record for that date is 97 degrees, set in 1963. The only other times temperatures got that hot on an Oct. 5 were in 1938 and 1947, when temperatures reached 93 and 91 degrees, respectively.
“The hot and dry weather, combined with wind gusts of 25-35 mph, will lead to elevated fire weather conditions, mainly west of I-35,” the weather service said. Fire weather is when weather conditions are conducive to igniting and spreading wildfires.
After a drier than usual September and with no measurable rain in the last nine days, the Kansas City area is experiencing moderate drought.
Dry conditions persist
A cold front is expected to pass through on Sunday but will not bring rain to ease drought concerns. Cooler air is expected for parts of the forecast area.
“Afternoon highs are expected to fall back to near-normal thresholds for areas north of the Kansas City metro,” the weather service said. “From the urban center southward, temperatures are expected to be up to 5 degrees above normal.”
Temperatures in the metro will be around 78 degrees.
The weather service said Monday will bring tranquil and more bearable weather, with temperatures returning to normal. The metro is expected to have temperatures around 74 degrees.
“The rest of the workweek can be characterized as relatively uneventful, at least weather-wise,” the weather service said.
The weather service said temperatures will continue to hover in the upper 70s and lower 80s, with Thursday likely being the hottest day of the week.
“Overall, there is an absence of any sign of measurable precipitation through next week, as dry conditions are unfortunately poised to prevail,” the weather service said.
The extended outlook reveals that above average temperatures and below average rainfall are likely for Oct. 11 through 17.
