79 degrees to 32: Why is Kansas City having such wild weather swings this spring?
Fires, then rain and snow in less than 24 hours: Weather in the Kansas City area has been erratic this March. Why does weather in the Midwest change so quickly?
The Midwest has the most unpredictable weather in the country, according to a 2024 Washington Post analysis of National Weather Service data. NWS forecasts are only accurate two days ahead in Kansas City, compared to seven days out in southern Florida.
Chris Bowman, meteorologist with the NWS Kansas City, said he’s heard people joke all over the Midwest that if you don’t like the weather, wait five minutes and it will change.
Bowman explained this Kansas and Missouri phenomenon that has given residents whiplash this spring.
Why does the weather change so quickly in Kansas City?
When strong storms come into the Kansas City area, the temperature can change from balmy to cold in a matter of hours.
The weekend before St. Patrick’s Day, Kansas City reached 79 degrees Friday before dropping almost 50 degrees to freezing on Saturday.
Strong winds from the south raise the temperature before the cold front moves through to the northeast.
“This time of year, we are prone to having fairly strong large-scale storm systems affect the middle of the country,” Bowman said.
Why is Kansas City so warm in the summer and so cold in the winter?
Bowman said this is because Kansas City is located in the middle of a relatively flat swath of land far from the ocean or mountains. Large bodies of water or geographical features can keep the weather from varying as much in other locations.
When does Kansas City see the most storms and tornadoes?
Bowman said the metro area is currently entering the stormy season, which lasts from March through August.
Tornadoes are most likely from March through mid-June, after which damaging wind gusts become the main hazard.
How can I keep safe in severe weather?
Knowing where to shelter in a storm and following weather alerts can prepare you for a storm, according to Bowman. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that people take cover to a basement or windowless room if they are in the path of a tornado. Your work or school might have different protocols.
Local municipalities, like Kansas City and Johnson County, have emergency alert systems to keep residents informed about dangerous weather. In addition, weather apps and TV and radio broadcasts can share information as well.
Have more questions about weather in the Kansas City area? Ask the Service Journalism team at kcq@kcstar.com.
