Kansas City, Missouri – Warm, dry, and increasingly breezy conditions will drive critical fire danger across east-central Kansas and central Missouri from noon to 8 p.m. today, raising the threat of fires spreading rapidly in grasslands and along major corridors such as I-70, I-35, U.S. 50, and MO-13. Wind gusts are expected to surge between 30 and 40 mph, aligning with minimum relative humidity values as low as 10–20%, creating an environment where even small ignitions can expand quickly.
According to the National Weather Service in Kansas City, the strongest fire-weather conditions will align with the afternoon and early evening period, especially across central and southeast Kansas into central Missouri. Any outdoor burning is strongly discouraged, and residents should avoid parking on dry grass or using equipment that can spark.
A cold front crossing the region later today will bring a sharp shift toward cooler temperatures tonight into Friday. Highs that reach the upper 50s to upper 60s this afternoon will fall into the 30s and 40s Friday, with overnight lows dipping into the 20s. Moisture improves only slightly behind the front, but fuels remain dry enough to prolong elevated fire-spread potential through early Friday.
Light snow is possible Friday evening into early Saturday, though accumulation looks minimal with most locations receiving less than an inch. Even brief snowfall could create slick patches on bridges and ramps along I-70 and I-35, particularly near daybreak Saturday.
Conditions trend colder but seasonable through Monday, with continued monitoring recommended as winds remain breezy at times.
More updates will be issued through the day as fire-weather conditions evolve.
