Kansas City, Missouri – A colder push of air sliding into the central Plains ahead of St. Patrick’s Day could turn part of an active storm track into accumulating snow across eastern Kansas and northern Missouri between March 11 and March 17.
According to the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center, much of Kansas and Missouri sits within a 40-50% probability zone for above-normal precipitation during the 8-14 day period. At the same time, northern Missouri and parts of northeastern Kansas trend near to below normal on temperatures. That overlap increases the likelihood that stronger systems produce measurable snow, particularly during overnight and early morning hours.
In Kansas City, St. Joseph and Columbia, nighttime lows dipping into the upper 20s and lower 30s could allow slushy accumulation on grassy surfaces and untreated roads if moderate precipitation develops. Along the Interstate 70 corridor from Topeka through Kansas City into central Missouri, bursts of heavier precipitation before sunrise may reduce visibility and create slick stretches on bridges and overpasses. Farther south toward Wichita and Springfield, rain remains more likely during the day, but brief rain-to-snow transitions are possible at night if colder air deepens.
The broader eastern United States is expected to trend wetter than normal, while California and much of the Southwest remain drier, sharpening the west-to-east contrast in the national pattern.
Drivers across eastern Kansas and northern Missouri should monitor early morning travel conditions closely. Even light late-season snow can create hazardous roadways. Additional updates are expected as the March 11-17 window approaches and confidence in system timing increases.
