Showers, thunderstorms to push into the Kansas City area. Will any be strong or severe?
Unusually warm temperatures will persist across the Kansas City area Wednesday as overnight storms threaten to bring strong to severe thunderstorms to parts of the region, according to the National Weather Service.
Temperatures are expected to climb to near 70 degrees, well above the average temperature of 59 degrees that is typical for this time of year.
There could also be some sprinkles and light rain showers that will start in northeastern Kansas and northwestern Missouri late in the morning, tracking east throughout the day.
There’s a chance that this rain will be virga, a weather phenomenon where the rain evaporates before it reaches the ground because of dry air below the rain clouds. Also known as a dry storm, virga appears as streaks or shafts of rain that hang beneath clouds.
Showers, thunderstorms possible in KC overnight
Strong winds will usher moisture into the area, leading to scattered to widespread showers and thunderstorms, mainly after midnight. The weather service said the storms will continue to develop and expand southward throughout the day on Thursday, with the greatest coverage east of the immediate metro area.
There is a possibility of strong to severe thunderstorms, primarily along and north of Interstate 70, with hail being the primary hazard, according to the weather service.
The National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center has placed Kansas City and surrounding areas under a marginal risk of severe weather.
Showers and thunderstorms are expected to end late Thursday morning.
Fans headed to the Kansas City Royals’ home opener Thursday afternoon against the Cleveland Guardians at 3 p.m. at Kauffman Stadium will want to bring rain gear in case there are any lingering showers.
Temperatures will continue to be well above normal, climbing to near 80 on Thursday, 76 on Friday and 77 on Saturday.
Additional thunderstorms are expected on Sunday, with some of the storms potentially severe. The timing is uncertain, but the storms could move through late in the morning into the afternoon. The weather service said the severity of the storms will depend on how quickly an associated cold front moves through the area.
This story was originally published March 26, 2025 at 7:38 AM.
