Kansas City heats up after morning storms. ‘Feels like’ temps over 105 expected
It’s about to get hot and steamy in Kansas City, and the quicker storms move out Tuesday morning, the more uncomfortable it will feel.
Another round of showers and storms is expected to move through the metro, although the threat of severe weather is low, according to the National Weather Service.
Then attention turns to the impending heat, the weather service said. Temperatures are expected to rise into the low 90s on Tuesday, well above the average of 83 degrees that is typical for this time of year.
With dew points, a measure of moisture in the air, well into the 70s, heat index values are expected to make it feel much hotter. Forecasters say heat indices of 105 to 110 degrees in the afternoon will bring the metro its first bout of heat of the season.
Generally, during the summer months, dew points of 55 degrees or lower indicate a dry and comfortable feel. With dew points between 55 and 65 degrees, it will become sticky and muggy, forecasters say.
Dew points above 65 degrees indicate a high level of moisture in the air, making the heat oppressive.
“The faster the skies clear, the hotter the temperatures and heat indices will be,” the weather service said. A heat advisory is in effect for Kansas City, and all of eastern Kansas and northern Missouri.
The hot, humid, and sticky weather is expected to continue into Wednesday. Temperatures are expected to be around 90 degrees, with dew points in the mid- to upper 70s. This could lead to heat index values around 100 degrees.
Chance of severe thunderstorms returning
A passing cold front will bring the area its next chance of strong to severe storms Wednesday evening and night, the weather service said.
“With how primed the environment is expected to be out ahead of this front, it’s likely all hazards will be on the table,” the weather service said.
The Storm Prediction Center, part of the National Weather Service, has placed the entire Kansas City forecast area under a slight risk (Level 2 of 5) of severe weather.
Behind the front, temperatures will cool slightly, reaching only around 87 degrees on Thursday. Dew points are expected to be in the low to mid-70s, so it will still be hot and sticky and possibly slightly less uncomfortable, the weather service said.
Storm chances may linger into Thursday, but that depends on how Wednesday night’s storms play out. Another round could develop late Thursday afternoon and evening.
The Storm Prediction Center has placed much of the Kansas City area under a slight risk of severe weather. Areas east of U.S. 65 are under an enhanced risk (Level 3 of 5).
Large hail and damaging winds are the main threats with the storms on both days, but heavy rainfall and localized flooding are also possible with the strongest storms, the weather service said. A tornado or two cannot be ruled out.
There is some uncertainty about how widespread the storms will be and how they will evolve, so the weather service encourages people to stay tuned to the latest forecasts.
More storms this weekend
There is also a chance of storms on Saturday afternoon and evening across the area, with strong to severe weather possible. The weather service said it is too soon to draw any conclusion on timing or severity.
“One bright side is temperatures and dew points look to cool off for the rest of the weekend into early next week,” the weather service said.
Temperatures are expected to be around 84 degrees on Friday, 86 on Saturday, 79 on Sunday, and 78 on Monday, according to the weather service.
