Showers, thunderstorms to bring heavy rains to Kansas City. Here’s what to know
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- Heavy rain between 1-4 inches expected across Kansas City through Wednesday.
- Flood watch covers entire metro; warnings issued for a river in Kansas counties.
- Two storm waves could bring hail, strong winds, and possible flash flooding risks.
For those who love a rainy day, the weather on Tuesday in Kansas City will be a dream come true, with thunderstorms and heavy rain expected throughout the day.
“Periodic showers and thunderstorms are expected throughout the day today, leading to heavy rainfall,” the National Weather Service said. Rainfall amounts are expected to range from 1 to 3 inches, with some areas potentially receiving up to 4 inches by Wednesday afternoon.
In an 11 a.m. update, the weather service said on Facebook that the latest forecast models suggest pockets of heavy rainfall, especially along and east of Interstate 35, are expected in the afternoon.
“If you have travel plans, drive with caution and plan for extra time reaching your destination,” the weather service said.
In anticipation of the heavy rains, the weather service has issued a flood watch for virtually the entire region, including the metro, that remains in effect until Wednesday morning.
“Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations,” the weather service said.
Meanwhile, a flood warning has been issued for Stranger Creek at Easton, which will affect Leavenworth and Atchison counties in Kansas. The river is expected to rise above flood stage early Wednesday, cresting at 17.5 feet.
With significant amounts of rain in the forecast and the possibility of flash flooding, the Kansas City Fire Department reminded residents about high water safety:
- Turn around, don’t drown. High water can be unpredictable, and even a few inches of moving water can sweep a person or vehicle away.
- Never walk into high or moving water because it can dislodge sewer covers, move or shift surfaces under the water and create dangerous conditions.
- Stay alert for emergency vehicles and crews because they can be difficult to see during rain and storms.
- Slow down because pooling water on the roadways can cause vehicles to hydroplane.
Timing of the storms
The storms will come in two waves, one in the morning and one again in the afternoon and evening, the weather service said.
The severe and flooding threat is generally low with the first round of storms, the weather service said.
There will be a lull in storms before a second round of thunderstorms redevelops across the area in the afternoon and evening.
Heavy rains and flooding will be possible with this round of storms. There is potential for some training or back building of storms, which will lead to storms moving over the same area repeatedly, much like train cars moving along a track.
Severe storms will also be possible, with damaging wind gusts up to 70 mph being the primary hazard. Large hail, up to 1.25 inches in diameter, will be a secondary threat.
The threat of tornadoes is low, but the weather service can’t rule out the chance for a brief tornado or two.
The National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center has placed the Kansas City area under a slight risk of severe storms, which is the second level on a five-point scale.
Showers are expected to move out by Wednesday morning, leaving mostly sunny skies behind. Temperatures are expected to be around 77 degrees on Tuesday and 75 degrees on Wednesday.
More rain in Kansas City’s forecast
Additional showers and thunderstorms are likely again Thursday evening into Friday, according to the weather service.
The rain from the storms could prolong or exacerbate flooding. The chance of severe weather is low, but not zero.
Temperatures are expected to be in the mid-70s.
Sunny skies are expected to return for the weekend, although there is a chance of showers overnight on Saturday. Temperatures will be in the low 80s.
This story was originally published June 3, 2025 at 7:51 AM.
