Kansas City, MO – An unusually warm and dry pattern is set to dominate the Kansas City region this week, raising the possibility of near-record or record-breaking temperatures on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, according to the National Weather Service.
Forecasters say a significant warm-up begins early this week, with highs climbing into the 60s by Tuesday, then potentially reaching the upper 60s to low 70s Wednesday and Thursday, especially near and south of Interstate 70. Some locations could experience temperatures 30 degrees above average for late December.
According to the National Weather Service, Christmas Day may be the warmest day of the week, with a high probability of record challenges:
- Kansas City: Forecast high 71°F, above the previous record of 67°F (1922)
- Sedalia: Forecast high 72°F, matching the record set in 2021
- Kirksville: Forecast high 65°F, exceeding the record of 63°F (1936)
Normal highs for Christmas Day in the region are typically near 40 degrees, underscoring the rarity of this warmth.
In addition to record highs, record warm overnight lows are also possible, particularly Wednesday night into Christmas morning. The warmth is being fueled by persistent southwesterly flow and the absence of cold fronts across the central U.S.
The National Weather Service also notes little to no chance of precipitation through Friday, which should support excellent holiday travel conditions along major routes including I-70, I-35, and I-29. A cooldown is possible heading into next weekend, but confidence remains high in a warm, dry Christmas.
While winter officially begins with the Winter Solstice, forecasters note that conditions will feel anything but wintry for much of the central Plains and Midwest this holiday.
Residents across Kansas City, St. Joseph, Lee’s Summit, Olathe, Sedalia, and Kirksville are encouraged to stay updated as Christmas approaches and prepare for an unusually mild holiday.
