Kansas City, Missouri — A surge of Arctic air is expected to move into the Kansas City region late this week, bringing sub-zero wind chills during overnight and early morning hours through the weekend.
According to the National Weather Service in Kansas City, temperatures will fall well below normal beginning Thursday night, with the coldest wind chills expected Friday into Saturday morning. Forecast data shows wind chill values dropping below zero across much of western Missouri and eastern Kansas, including the Kansas City metro.
Minimum wind chill projections indicate values between -5°F and -15°F are possible at times, particularly during the overnight and pre-dawn hours. Northern locations such as Maryville and Chillicothe may experience even colder conditions, while areas closer to Kansas City, Olathe, and Lees Summit are still expected to dip below zero.
The National Weather Service warns that prolonged exposure to these conditions can be dangerous, especially for anyone outdoors without proper cold-weather protection. Frostbite can occur in 30 minutes or less when wind chills fall below zero.
While no specific cold-weather advisories were issued with this update, forecasters emphasize that the duration of the cold, combined with overnight lows and persistent wind, increases the risk to outdoor workers, early commuters, students, and unhoused individuals.
Residents are urged to dress in layers, cover exposed skin, bring pets indoors, and check on vulnerable neighbors as the cold intensifies later this week.
Early morning commuters and those working outdoors will face the greatest risk during the coldest periods.
