Warm, wet weather in Kansas City area: Will snow follow?
Unusually warm winter weather will stick around Kansas City through Wednesday, but umbrellas will be needed as widespread rain returns later this week, according to the National Weather Service.
The New Year has gotten off to a warm start in the metro, with the average temperature over the first five days at 36.1 degrees — well above the normal 29.4 degrees for this time of year.
Temperatures are expected to climb to around 57 degrees on Tuesday, compared to Kansas City’s typical high of 38 degrees for this time of year. Wednesday is expected to be the warmest day, with temperatures reaching the low 60s.
“The latter portion of the week into early weekend remains the most notable part of the forecast,” the weather service said in its forecast discussion.
A weather disturbance developing over northern Mexico is expected to bring rain to the metro on Thursday, the weather service said.
Rain chances are expected to range from 50% to near 100%, with the greatest chances in northwest and central Missouri, the weather service said.
Widespread rainfall is likely. While most areas have the potential for at least a half inch of rain, some areas could see heavy rain, with up to 2 inches possible, the weather service said.
“While 2-inch amounts in January would usually raise the caution flag for flooding, given recent dry conditions, non-frozen ground, and the progressive overall nature (of the system), the general risk for flooding remains very low,” the weather service said. “Again, should be beneficial rainfall overall.”
Temperatures will be too warm — in the mid-50s — for the rain to turn into snow.
Cooler weather and another round of rain are possible on Friday. The cooler temperatures may allow some areas to see snow overnight Friday, with locations north and west of the Kansas City metro area having the highest chance for accumulating snow, the weather service said. Precipitation chances are lower on Friday, ranging between 20% and 45%.
The weather service suggests people follow reliable sources for forecast updates and be cautious of individual model runs that show exceptional snowfall amounts.
The weather will remain cool and dry over the weekend, with temperatures returning to the low 40s, which is closer to seasonal norms.
This story was originally published January 6, 2026 at 8:14 AM.
