Missouri – A hazy afternoon sky stretches over Kansas City as a cool breeze sweeps across rooftops and open fields, hinting at the stronger push of winter air that will arrive by early Friday. Pavement stays clear for now, but the region gears up for flurries, gusty winds, and a sharp drop in temperatures heading into the Jan 17–18 weekend.

According to the National Weather Service, south winds increase through the afternoon, reaching gusts near 23 mph across Jackson, Clay, and Wyandotte counties. Clouds thicken after sunset, and sprinkles or flurries may develop before sunrise Friday. While no accumulations are expected, a quick dusting could reduce visibility on I-70, I-35, and the downtown loop during the early commute.

Friday will feel noticeably different. Meteorologists now track a surge of northwest winds behind a passing boundary, with gusts rising to 30–40 mph across northern and central Missouri. The breeze may push lighter snow showers east of the metro by afternoon, and colder air settles in fast. Drivers should grip the wheel firmly and prepare for sudden crosswinds on elevated spans and open highway stretches.

Saturday brings a quieter but colder pattern. Highs hold in the lower 20s with gusts up to 26 mph, and single-digit lows are expected by sunrise Sunday. Any Friday moisture that lingers on pavement could freeze solid, raising the risk of slick patches on shaded streets, parking lots, and ramps.

Sunday turns sunny but stays cold, keeping the weekend firmly in a winter posture. A modest warmup arrives Monday, yet the central U.S. becomes more active next week as cold pushes east and Gulf moisture increases.

Traveling Saturday or Sunday? Share what conditions you’re seeing across Kansas City.

Five-Day Weather for Kansas City, Missouri

• Today: Mostly cloudy. High near 44°F.
• Tonight: Chance of sprinkles/flurries. Low near 33°F.
• Friday: Increasing clouds. High near 41°F.
• Friday Night: Slight chance of snow. Low near 17°F.
• Saturday: Partly sunny. High near 23°F.
• Saturday Night: Mostly clear. Low near 9°F.
• Sunday: Sunny. High near 37°F.
• Sunday Night: Partly cloudy. Low near 16°F.
• MLK Day: Sunny. High near 28°F.