Kansas City, Missouri – Life-threatening cold is spreading across Kansas and Missouri as Arctic air drives wind chills to dangerously low levels, creating a serious frostbite risk for anyone exposed outdoors from Friday into Saturday.
According to the National Weather Service offices in Wichita, Topeka, Kansas City, and Springfield, Cold Weather Advisories and Extreme Cold Warnings are in effect across much of both states. Wind chills are expected to drop between 15 and 25 below zero in many areas, cold enough to cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes, with even faster onset in northern counties closer to the Iowa and Nebraska borders.
The highest risk stretches from central and eastern Kansas into much of Missouri, including Wichita, Salina, Topeka, Emporia, Kansas City, St. Joseph, Columbia, Springfield, and Joplin. Overnight and early morning hours will be especially dangerous, and snow-covered roads increase the threat if vehicles become disabled or stranded.
Emergency managers warn that prolonged exposure also raises the risk of hypothermia. Residents are urged to limit time outdoors, wear multiple layers including hats, gloves, and face coverings, and keep pets indoors. Livestock should have access to shelter, unfrozen water, and additional feed.
Cold Weather Advisories remain in effect through Saturday in many locations, with some areas seeing extended cold into Sunday. Additional alerts may be issued if the Arctic air mass lingers longer than expected across Kansas and Missouri.
