Temperatures to plunge as storm system brings snow, wind and risk of fires to KC area
Get ready for a wild ride in Kansas City as a weather system will send temperatures plummeting and usher in howling winds, rain and maybe some light snow on Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service.
Temperatures had climbed to just a few degrees shy of the expected high for Wednesday, reaching 68 degrees shortly before 6 a.m. at Kansas City International Airport.
Better take that jacket with you as you head out in the morning. Temps are expected to crash, falling to 41 degrees by 5 p.m.
It will also be windy. A high wind warning is in effect for areas along and north of a line from the Kansas City metro to Kirksville, where wind gusts of 50 to 60 mph are possible. The strong gusts are expected to continue into early Thursday.
South of that line, a wind advisory is in effect. Wind gusts of 40 to 50 mph are likely. Meanwhile, a red flag warning will be in effect from late morning to mid-afternoon for areas along and east of U.S. 63.
“Any fire that ignites in these areas has the ability to quickly spread,” the weather service said.
Rain, light snow in Kansas City area forecast
In addition to the powerful winds, rain showers are expected to move into northwest Missouri and slowly spread through the region this afternoon.
“There may be a potential for a few strong thunderstorms, with damaging winds the main threat, across extreme north Missouri,” the weather service said.
The rain is expected to transition to snow as the weather system moves eastward.
Snow is expected across the region, but the highest accumulations — up to an inch — are expected to remain north of U.S. 36 across northern Missouri.
“With the strong winds already in place, blowing snow could make travel increasingly hazardous with reduced visibilities,” the weather service said.
A winter weather advisory has been issued for Atchison, Holt and Nodaway counties in Missouri from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Wednesday.
“Everywhere else is anticipated to receive somewhat minimal driving impacts,” the weather service said. “A few slick spots are possible, so use caution when driving, especially over elevated surfaces.”
The snow is expected to move out of the area late Wednesday.
Below-freezing temperatures expected in the metro
Temperatures overnight are expected to plunge into the mid-20s and low-30s across the area. In the metro, temperatures will be around 31 degrees, the weather service said.
Temperatures will rebound on Thursday, climbing to 53 degrees, just a few degrees below Kansas City’s average temperature of 57 degrees for this time of year.
There is a slight chance for rain showers across northern Missouri on Friday. It will also be warmer, with temperatures climbing between the upper 50s and mid-60s.
Temperatures will mainly stay above average through the weekend and into the middle of next week.
There is a chance of showers from Saturday night into Sunday morning. However, no hazardous weather is expected this weekend through midweek.
This story was originally published March 19, 2025 at 7:21 AM.
