Winter storm could hit Kansas City next week. Will the area get snow or rain?
Those headed out for their morning commute and errands should find their trips easier going Thursday.
Freezing drizzle coated the metro highways, roads and sidewalks with a thin layer of ice Wednesday. While most ice has melted, the Missouri Department of Transportation’s Kansas City District advises drivers to use caution.
“Watch for freezing roadways in the KC area,” the transportation department said. “Adjust to changing conditions and drive with care.”
Quiet and dry weather is expected in the metro, with temperatures returning to just slightly above average in the next couple of days, the National Weather Service said.
Temperatures will climb to around 45 degrees on Thursday and the low 40s on Friday. Kansas City’s temperatures typically are around 41 degrees this time of year.
Rain, freezing drizzle start the weekend in KC
A weather disturbance is expected to pass through the area on Saturday, bringing a chance for rain, especially in the eastern parts of the Kansas City forecast area.
The chance for rain in the metro is 30% to 40%.
Temperatures should be warm enough to keep precipitation mostly rain. In the metro, temperatures are expected to be in the mid-40s.
The weather service said northeast Missouri may see temperatures drop below freezing, leading to the possibility of a light freezing drizzle.
“If the system overall tracks further south and brings colder air in, the area of wintry precipitation would become more widespread,” the weather service said. Any accumulations are expected to be light.
The weather system is expected to exit by Sunday morning. Temperatures will be cooler, dipping into the mid-30s.
Possible impactful winter storm in KC’s forecast
Snow is possible in the area next week, according to the National Weather Service.
“Colder conditions with multiple chances for accumulating snow next week, but details are uncertain at this time,” the weather service said.
There is a chance for some rain and snow overnight Monday and again Tuesday into Wednesday.
The forecast is uncertain due to several factors.
According to the weather service, the path, intensity and timing of the storm remain unclear.
A wide range of possible temperatures, with most falling at or below freezing, contributes to the uncertainty, the weather service said. A small change in temperatures by a degree or two could significantly affect whether the metro sees rain or snow.
Also, it is uncertain how much moisture will reach the area. Some forecast models indicate the weather system could pull in Gulf moisture, leading to higher precipitation amounts. Other forecast models suggest that the moisture may stay south of the area.
“If drier Polar or Arctic Air settles in, that could lead to lighter accumulations,” the weather service said.
This story was originally published February 6, 2025 at 7:53 AM.
