Weekend plans in jeopardy? Frigid weather, snow bursts headed for Kansas City
Gusty winds and occasional bursts of snow will make Friday feel wintry across the Kansas City metro as a fast-moving cold front sweeps through, with much colder air settling in for the weekend, according to the National Weather Service.
Wind gusts of 30 to 40 mph from the northwest are expected Friday, with the highest wind gusts likely during the afternoon, the weather service said.
Off-and-on snow showers will also be possible from late morning through late afternoon, according to the weather service.
Accumulations are expected to be meager — just a few tenths of an inch if the snow sticks. And with the gusty winds, the weather service said getting an accurate measurement will be very difficult.
“A few bursts may occur with wind gusts in excess of 30 mph, resulting in lower visibilities,” the weather service said.
Temperatures will climb into the low 40s in the afternoon, but wind chills will make it feel closer to freezing. Kansas City’s average temperature for this time of year is 38 degrees.
After Friday, a rush of polar air will sweep into the Kansas City area, making the weekend and Martin Luther King Jr. Day much colder, with wind chills falling to near zero in the mornings, the weather service said.
Temperatures are expected to be around 22 degrees on Saturday, 41 degrees on Sunday and 26 degrees on Monday.
“Moisture will be hard to come by, but would not be surprised to see some scattered flurry activity through the weekend,” the weather service said.
Later next week, there might be a chance for rain or snow, but it will depend on how the weather pattern develops. Some precipitation is possible late Thursday into Friday.
This story was originally published January 16, 2026 at 7:31 AM.
