Dangerous heat persists across Kansas City area. When will hottest temps arrive?
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Kansas City braces for hottest stretch since 2023, with highs near 100 degrees.
- Extreme heat warning lasts through Thursday; overnight relief remains limited.
- Cold front may bring a reprieve, but weekend temperatures will rebound.
Dangerous heat is expected to persist across the Kansas City area this week, marking one of the longest stretches of hot and humid weather in the metro since 2023, according to the National Weather Service.
Temperatures are expected to be in the mid- to upper 90s this week, with heat index values ranging from 100 to 110 degrees. The weather service said the hottest weather is expected Tuesday through Thursday.
There will be little relief from the heat overnight, as temperatures are not expected to drop below 75 degrees.
“Overnight lows warmer than the mid-70s can make overnight recovery (body temperature) more difficult, exacerbating subsequent/prolonged periods of hot/excessive temperatures,” the weather service said.
The metro typically sees daytime temperatures around 89 degrees this time of year, dipping to 68 degrees overnight.
Extreme heat warning in effect
An extreme heat warning has been issued for the Kansas City area, as well as parts of east-central and northeast Kansas, and central, north-central and west-central Missouri.
The warning is in effect until 7 p.m. Thursday.
“Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors,” the weather service said in the warning.
People are urged to take extra precautions when outside, such as wearing lightweight and loose-fitting clothing. People should also try to limit strenuous activities to early morning or evening.
A cold front is expected to approach the Kansas City area late in the week, potentially leading to a brief reprieve; however, the weather is expected to warm up again over the weekend.
There are chances for periodic showers and storms, which may mitigate the heat, especially across northern Missouri, the weather service said.
Hottest, humid stretch since 2023
This stretch of hot and humid weather is expected to be the hottest since 2023, according to the weather service.
For seven days between Aug. 19 and 25 of that year, temperatures reached 95 degrees or higher, peaking at 103 degrees. Kansas City also recorded its highest heat index value during that period, which climbed to 118.9 degrees on Aug. 21.
The next longest stretch of hot and humid weather in recent history was in 2018 and 2013, which each had five days where temperatures reached 95 degrees or higher.
The longest heat wave in Kansas City occurred in 1936, when temperatures climbed to 95 degrees or above for 20 consecutive days between Aug. 8 and 27, according to climate data.
This story was originally published July 21, 2025 at 7:42 AM.
