Kansas City, Missouri – Bitterly cold conditions are impacting the Kansas City region this morning, with dangerously low wind chills and near-zero temperatures prompting safety concerns.
According to the National Weather Service in Kansas City, morning lows near zero degrees combined with wind have produced wind chill values as low as 15 degrees below zero across the area. Temperatures are expected to recover into the 20s this afternoon, which remains nearly 20 degrees below normal for late January.
Forecasters note that while conditions will improve slightly later today, the morning cold poses the greatest risk, particularly for anyone spending extended time outdoors without proper protection. Prolonged exposure may lead to hypothermia or frostbite.
Travelers along major corridors such as Interstate 70, Interstate 35, Interstate 435, and U.S. Highway 36 may feel the effects most strongly during early morning hours, especially in the event of vehicle trouble or delays.
In addition to the cold, light snow is possible tonight into Sunday morning, with the greatest chance for minor accumulations along and north of Highway 36. Any snowfall is expected to be light, but brief reductions in visibility could occur overnight.
Despite the cold start to the weekend, forecasters say temperatures are expected to trend warmer during the latter half of next week, offering some relief after the current arctic air mass moves east.
This update may affect early-morning commuters, outdoor workers, and weekend travelers, particularly those exposed to wind during the coldest part of the day.
Residents are advised to dress in layers, limit time outdoors when possible, and continue monitoring updates from the National Weather Service as conditions evolve through the weekend.
