Kansas City, MO – A strong storm system is expected to move into the region late Wednesday into Thursday, bringing rain, gusty winds, and a sharp drop in temperatures heading into the end of the week.
According to the National Weather Service Kansas City, rain chances increase after midnight Wednesday, with showers becoming more widespread Thursday morning. Most areas—including Kansas City, St. Joseph, Chillicothe, Maryville, and Columbia—are forecast to receive 0.01 to 0.25 inches of rain. A few rumbles of thunder are possible as the system shifts east Thursday afternoon.
The main impact arrives behind the cold front as strong west winds develop. Gusts are expected to reach or exceed 45 mph, with some locations in northern Missouri holding a 70% or higher chance of hitting the 45 mph threshold. Cities such as St. Joseph, Maryville, Bethany, and Chillicothe show some of the highest probabilities for damaging gusts. Elevated fire weather conditions may also develop across east-central Kansas and west-central Missouri.
Colder air pours in Thursday night and Friday. Morning lows Friday are expected to fall into the upper teens and low 20s, but wind chills will make it feel much colder—dropping to the single digits above zero in parts of northern Missouri, including Kirksville, Bethany, and Maryville.
Despite the late-week chill, forecasters say temperatures will rebound quickly next week, with areas south of I-70 showing a strong probability of reaching the 60s by Christmas week.
Residents should prepare for slick morning travel from rain, hazardous winds Thursday, and very cold wind chills Friday morning.
