Kansas City residents could see skies shimmer green and purple tonight as rare Northern Lights displays reach deep into Missouri. At the same time, rain and scattered thunderstorms may bring slick travel along I-70 and surrounding highways through Tuesday morning.
According to the National Weather Service in Pleasant Hill, showers will remain possible overnight into Labor Day morning, with chances decreasing by Tuesday afternoon. The stronger concern arrives with a cold front expected Wednesday, when thunderstorms may intensify. NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center adds a second twist: a powerful solar storm could bring aurora sightings well beyond the northern states.
Auroras are most likely in the Pacific Northwest and upper Midwest, but forecasters say Missouri and Kansas may also catch faint bands of light if clouds thin. The best chance for viewing comes after midnight through dawn Tuesday. For those hoping to see the lights, travel away from city glow and look north.
Local impacts remain more immediate. Scattered storms through Monday night could bring brief downpours, making roads like I-70 slick for holiday travelers. While severe weather remains unlikely, gusty winds and heavy rain are possible in stronger cells. Residents should monitor updates and use caution on wet roadways.
By midweek, a strong cold front will bring cooler air and additional storm chances Wednesday into Wednesday night. Sunshine returns Thursday before another cool, dry stretch sets in heading into the weekend.
Five Day Forecast for Kansas City, MO:
- Tuesday: High 76, decreasing clouds, mostly clear night with low 59.
- Wednesday: High 82, chance of thunderstorms after 1 p.m., 40% chance of evening storms, low 63.
- Thursday: Mostly sunny, high 73, clear overnight with low 58.
- Friday: Mostly clear, high 79, low near 52.
- Saturday: Sunny, high 77, mostly clear overnight, low near 56.
