Warm, windy weather expected for KC’s St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. Is that snow?
A windy but warm Monday is expected as Kansas City gets ready for its annual St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, according to the National Weather Service.
Temperatures will be around 60 degrees at the 11 a.m. start of the annual Kansas City St. Patrick’s Day Parade. It will be windy, though, with sustained winds around 16 mph and gusts as high as 30 mph.
Temperatures will continue to warm, reaching the mid-70s by the afternoon, well above Kansas City’s average temperature of 56 degrees for this time of year.
The gusty winds, warm temperatures, low relative humidity and dry vegetation have raised concerns about critical fire weather conditions. A red flag warning is in effect from noon to 8 p.m.
“Any fire that ignites will have the potential to spread rapidly,” the weather service advised. “Outdoor burning is not recommended.”
Temperatures on Tuesday will be warmer, climbing to nearly 80 degrees.
Fire weather concerns may be an issue across northeastern Kansas and northwestern Missouri. However, the weather service said winds may be lighter in the metro, keeping concerns below critical thresholds.
Rain, snow in Kansas City’s forecast
A cold front will move across the Kansas City forecast area Tuesday night, bringing the chance for showers and thunderstorms, the weather service said.
The rain may change over to snow on Wednesday, the weather service said.
“Temperatures are not expected to fall below freezing, so impactful snow is not expected,” the weather service said. “A dusting to very minor accumulations on grassy surfaces cannot be ruled out.”
Temperatures are expected to return to normal on Wednesday and Thursday. Temperatures will jump to the mid-60s on Friday.
The next chance for rain will arrive overnight Friday, the weather service said.
Another round of showers are expected this weekend, along with temperatures in the low 60s.
This story was originally published March 17, 2025 at 7:40 AM.
