Wind chills tumble into single digits as bitter cold rolls into Kansas City
The unseasonably warm temperatures are gone in Kansas City after a cold front passed through the area overnight.
The front was accompanied by brisk northwest winds that gusted above 40 mph at times, the National Weather Service said.
The front ushered in much colder air, sending temperatures tumbling into the teens at Kansas City International Airport. Wind chills plunged into the single digits.
That was quite a change from Thursday, when the temperature climbed to 56. It was the 14th warmest Dec. 19 on record and well above Kansas City’s average temperature of 41 degrees for this time of year.
The weather will not be that lovely on Friday. The weather service said temperatures will rebound to the low 30s but likely remain below freezing. Gusts of 28 mph are possible, and wind chills will remain in the teens.
Friday will be the coldest day in the upcoming week, which includes Christmas Day.
Weekend starts out cold in Kansas City
According to the weather service, additional cold air will pass through overnight, dropping temperatures back into the low 20s. Winds will fall to around 5 mph.
The cold air will keep the metro chilly, with temperatures struggling to reach the upper 30s.
Those heading to tailgate before the Kansas City Chiefs and Houston Texans football game at Arrowhead Stadium should dress warmly.
Temperatures will be in the low 20s, rising to just above freezing by the noon kickoff, according to the weather service. Wind chills will start in the teens and climb into the upper 20s. The skies will be sunny.
A warm-up will begin Sunday, sending temperatures above normal into the upper 50s.
Forecast indicates warm Christmas week
The warm-up continues into next week, with temperatures remaining unseasonably warm, according to the weather service.
Temperatures will be 52 degrees on Monday and 49 degrees on Christmas Eve. Overnight temperatures will remain above freezing. On Christmas Day, temperatures will be near 48 degrees.
“While it is not looking like a white Christmas, the potential is there for it to be a wet Christmas,” the weather service said.
The long-range forecast for when and where the rain will fall is uncertain.
“Where confidence is higher is that above normal temperatures will continue, this will keep all expected precipitation liquid throughout late next week,” the weather service said.
