Missouri air still carries a winter bite this morning, but the turnaround is already underway across Kansas City. The sun is climbing, and temperatures are rising fast after a chilly start near 33 degrees.
Skies remain mostly clear early, and south winds are beginning to increase. According to the National Weather Service in Pleasant Hill, a rapid warmup begins today with highs reaching near 63 degrees. Southwest winds strengthen to 8 to 16 mph, with gusts up to 32 mph this afternoon. Drivers on I-70 and I-35 may feel steady crosswinds on open stretches and elevated ramps.
The bigger headline is the temperature swing. After lows in the 20s earlier, the metro jumps more than 30 degrees by mid-afternoon. That kind of swing can loosen leftover frost and create damp pavement in shaded areas. If temperatures dip tonight, isolated slick spots are possible before daybreak.
Wednesday stays mild with highs near 58 under mostly sunny skies. Rain chances increase Wednesday night into Thursday, with about a 50 percent chance of light showers. Rainfall amounts look light, generally less than a tenth of an inch, but wet roads could slow the Thursday morning drive.
Sunshine returns Thursday afternoon with highs near 60. By Friday, temperatures surge to around 71 degrees under bright skies. That warming trend continues into Saturday with highs in the mid-60s before a cooler system approaches Sunday with a chance of rain or a rain-snow mix.
Long-range signals favor near to above normal temperatures into early next week, hinting at early spring warmth across western Missouri and eastern Kansas.
Are you ready for 70-degree weather before March?
Five Day Outlook for Kansas City, Missouri:
Tuesday: High 63, partly sunny, gusts to 32 mph
Wednesday: High 58, mostly sunny
Thursday: High 60, early rain chance, then sunny
Friday: High 71, sunny
Saturday: High 64, sunny
