Storms could soak Kansas City. Here’s what to watch for
Muggier air is back in the Kansas City area, setting the stage for storms Thursday into Friday that could bring heavy rain. Then summer heat builds this weekend, starting a hotter, stickier stretch.
A partly sunny day is expected in the metro on Wednesday, with temperatures climbing to around 82 degrees, a few degrees below the normal of 86 degrees for this time of year, according to the National Weather Service.
The air will feel more humid, with dew points, a measure of moisture in the air, in the mid-60s south and west of the metro.
In summer, dew points in the 50s feel comfortable, the low-to-mid 60s feel sticky, and 65-plus can feel oppressive, forecasters say.
A few spotty storms could pop up in the afternoon, mainly along and south of Interstate 70, the weather service said.
However, the most impactful weather is expected from Thursday afternoon into Friday morning, when rounds of storms could bring heavy rain and flooding, along with a lower-end risk of severe weather, according to the Weather Service.
“Severe storms are possible along and south of I-70; however, the bigger concern continues to be the potential for flooding and flash flooding from heavy rainfall,” the weather service said.
Storms may repeatedly move over the same areas, leading to locally higher rainfall totals. The exact track and timing could shift, changing where the heaviest rain falls.
The Storm Prediction Center, part of the National Weather Service, has placed the southern parts of the metro at a marginal risk (Level 1 of 5) of severe weather. Areas further south are at a slight risk (Level 2 of 5). The rain and storms could linger into Friday.
Temperatures are expected to be in the upper 70s on Thursday and the low 80s on Friday.
After a cool start to the summer, heat and humidity build fast over the weekend, sending temperatures into the upper 80s on Saturday and the low to mid-90s on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.
“Those participating in outdoor activities will notice a very sudden change from the last couple of weeks,” the weather service said. Heat index values are expected to climb into the 100 to 110 degree range for those three days.
The weather service advises people to drink plenty of water, avoid strenuous activities during the hottest part of the day, and never leave a child or pet alone in a car.
