‘Burning is highly discouraged’: Red flag warning issued for KC; light snow in forecast
Outdoor burning is highly discouraged across the Kansas City area on Tuesday as strong winds coupled with dry conditions will lead to dangerous fire weather conditions, the National Weather Service said.
The weather service has issued a red flag warning from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. for the Kansas City forecast area, saying that “any fire that develops will catch and spread quickly.”
The metro will experience a more summer-like weather, with temperatures climbing to the low 80s. Kansas City typically sees temperatures of 56 degrees this time of year. The record high for this day is 85 degrees, set in 1921.
It will also be windy, with gusts between 35 and 45 mph.
Storms could bring snow to Kansas City area
An approaching weather system is expected to bring rain showers to the area early Wednesday, the weather service said.
“A rumble of thunder is possible, mainly for northern Missouri,” the weather service said. “As the system moves through the region Wednesday, the rain is expected to transition to a light wintry mix through the afternoon.”
Because it has been so warm recently, the weather service said any snow that falls is only expected to accumulate on grassy surfaces and will have minimal travel impacts.
Strong winds are likely on Wednesday, with gusts over 45 mph. Northeast Kansas and northwest Missouri could see gusts up to 60 mph.
“A high wind watch has been issued for counties north of a line from Platte County to Randolph County and is in effect from Wednesday morning to Wednesday evening,” the weather service said.
Temperatures return to normal on Wednesday and Thursday before rebounding into the low and mid-60s for the weekend.
Rain chances return on Friday and again on Sunday.
This story was originally published March 18, 2025 at 7:28 AM.
