Summerlike warmup heads for Kansas City, but midweek wildcard is still unclear
Flip-flops might be the preferred choice in Kansas City by Friday as the weather turns more summer-like, but Tuesday could interrupt the warmup with storms that may pack a punch, according to the National Weather Service.
Temperatures will gradually warm through the week, beginning on Monday, when temperatures are expected to be 5 to 10 degrees warmer than on Sunday. The warmest temperatures are expected across far northwestern Missouri and northeastern Kansas, according to the weather service’s forecast discussion.
In the metro, temperatures are expected to be around 81 degrees, well above the daily average of 73 degrees typical for this time of year.
Temperatures will be warmer on Tuesday, as they are expected to climb to around 88 degrees. Skies, however, will become increasingly cloudy as a cold front moves through, bringing the chance for rain showers and thunderstorms.
The chance for afternoon and evening storms is low (15% to 40%), but if storms do develop, a few could be strong to severe, with damaging winds and possibly large hail.
The Storm Prediction Center, part of the National Weather Service, has placed areas south of a line from Olathe to Kirksville, Missouri, in a slight risk (Level 1 of 5) for severe weather. Areas north of the line should see mainly general showers or thunderstorms.
Forecasts remain uncertain about whether storms will develop at all Tuesday because the front may not be strong enough to trigger them.
After the cold front passes, temperatures will be slightly cooler Wednesday, around the low 80s. They rebound into the upper 80s on Thursday and could reach around 91 degrees on Friday.
Increasing heat and humidity could spark showers and storms Friday morning, but a better chance for more widespread storms arrives Friday night into Saturday as a stronger disturbance moves in, according to the weather service.
