Still sizzling in Kansas City. Will storms disrupt the July Fourth weekend?
Dangerous heat will keep the Kansas City area sizzling through Friday, though the worst of it may have already peaked, according to the National Weather Service. Then, scattered storms could pop up this weekend and disrupt some July Fourth plans.
Temperatures on Thursday and Friday are expected to be in the low 90s. Heat index values are expected to be between 100 and 105 degrees across a widespread area, although they will not be as high as they were earlier in the week.
The overnight temperatures remain a concern, as they are expected to dip only into the upper 70s, with heat index values likely in the 75 to 85 degree range, the weather service said. Nighttime temperatures above 75 degrees strain the body and limit heat recovery, while temperatures above 80 degrees can prevent recovery entirely.
Much of the Kansas City area remains under an extreme heat warning through Friday evening, although Saturday is expected to be hot. Temperatures are expected to be around the mid-90s, with heat index values around 105 degrees.
Rain chances then gradually increase as attention turns toward the weekend. Scattered showers and storms begin to enter the forecast with the possibility of evening showers Thursday and Friday night across northern Missouri. But the chance of rain is low, 20% to 30%. The main hazards with these storms could be damaging winds and hail.
There is a slightly higher chance, 40% to 50%, of scattered showers and thunderstorms on Saturday afternoon and evening, the weather service said. Some storms could be strong enough for hail or damaging winds. The area is under a marginal risk (Level 1 of 5) of severe weather.
Partly sunny skies are expected on Sunday. The extreme heat will begin to loosen its grip on the metro, with temperatures in the low 90s and the heat index around 100 degrees.
It will still be toasty next week, with temperatures in the low 90s and heat index values in the 95-100 degrees range, the weather service said.
Off-and-on rain chances will continue through the early part of the week, but they will be low, about a 20% to 30% chance on any given day, the weather service said.
