Missouri steps into a quiet, pale morning where cold air slides through the metro, brushing across rooftops and leaving a faint shimmer on parked cars. The skies look calm, but the atmosphere is already shifting as an Arctic surge builds to the north, preparing to drive temperatures sharply downward through Sunday.
Light precipitation remains possible to the north today, though accumulations will be minimal. Even so, wet pavement across northern Missouri can briefly slick up during brief flurries, especially along I-35 toward Bethany and Lamoni. Drivers should stay alert for quick changes in traction as temperatures fall late in the day.
The bigger story arrives Saturday as the Arctic airmass deepens. Kansas City will stay dry, but accumulating snow is likely across northern Missouri, where a band of moisture brushes areas near Trenton, Chillicothe, and Kirksville. Any measurable snow north of the metro could set the stage for faster cooling Saturday night as skies clear and light north winds strengthen.
Meteorologists now tracking this cold push say wind chills may plunge to –15°F to –20°F across northeast Missouri by early Sunday. Kansas City will not be spared; Sunday morning feels sharply colder, with values dipping well below zero. After all, this is the first true blast of December winter weather, and the cold will bite quickly at exposed skin.
Sunday brings sunshine and a high near the low 20s, but the slow warm-up still demands caution. Keep coats, gloves, and layers close for early travel. Engines may turn over slowly, and bridges can briefly flash-freeze before sunshine improves conditions.
⭐ Five-Day Outlook (Kansas City, MO)
• Today: Partly sunny, upper-30s.
• Saturday: Cold, near 30°F.
• Sunday: Sunny, low-20s; subzero wind chills early.
• Monday: Sunny, mid-40s.
• Tuesday: Mostly sunny, low-50s.
