Kansas City, Mo. – Residents across Missouri are facing a one-two punch of dangerous heat followed by the potential for strong overnight thunderstorms, creating hazardous conditions from Monday afternoon through Tuesday morning. Heat index values are expected to reach 105 to 110 degrees before storms develop after midnight across northern portions of the state.
According to the National Weather Service in Kansas City/Pleasant Hill, a Heat Advisory remains in effect across much of the region through 9 p.m. Monday in northern Missouri and 7 p.m. Tuesday farther south. Afternoon highs are expected to climb into the mid to upper 90s Monday, followed by highs in the low to mid-90s Tuesday with heat index values between 100 and 105 degrees.
Forecasters also expect a 15% to 40% chance of scattered thunderstorms Monday evening into Tuesday morning. The greatest threat will occur after midnight through the overnight hours, primarily across northern and northeastern Missouri and into southern Iowa. The Storm Prediction Center has placed parts of northeast Missouri under a Level 2 of 5 Slight Risk for severe weather, while surrounding areas remain under a Level 1 of 5 Marginal Risk.
The strongest storms could produce damaging wind gusts, hail and locally heavy rainfall, with communities including Kirksville, Bethany, Chillicothe, Maryville and surrounding areas facing the highest risk. Travelers on Interstate 35, U.S. Highway 36 and U.S. Highway 63 should be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions overnight if storms strengthen.
Heat safety remains critical through Tuesday. Limit strenuous outdoor activities during the afternoon, stay hydrated, wear lightweight clothing and check on older adults and neighbors without adequate cooling. If thunderstorms approach overnight, move indoors immediately and have multiple ways to receive weather warnings while sleeping.
A cooler and less humid pattern is expected to settle into Missouri by midweek, with highs easing into the mid-70s to mid-80s and additional chances for showers and thunderstorms returning Wednesday night into Thursday.
