Kansas City, Missouri – Bright sunshine is quickly heating streets across the Kansas City metro, but towering clouds could begin building later today. The combination of rising humidity and afternoon warmth will make it feel much hotter than the thermometer suggests before scattered thunderstorms attempt to cool things down.
Heat and humidity are taking center stage across western Missouri and eastern Kansas today, with only isolated relief expected from late-day thunderstorms. According to the National Weather Service in Kansas City/Pleasant Hill, scattered showers and thunderstorms may develop after 4 p.m., with localized heavy rainfall and wind gusts up to 50 mph possible in the strongest storms. Most neighborhoods will stay dry, but residents should remain weather-aware through the evening.
High temperatures climb to 92 degrees today, while the heat index approaches 99 degrees. Sunday turns even warmer with a high near 93 degrees, and humidity pushes the heat index to around 102 degrees during the afternoon. Although the chance for storms remains only about 20 percent, a few stronger cells cannot be ruled out. Tornado potential appears low, but isolated strong wind gusts and brief downpours remain possible.
The hottest weather arrives Monday as sunshine sends temperatures to 97 degrees. Tuesday stays very warm with a high near 95 degrees before slightly cooler conditions return during the middle of the week. Long-range outlooks continue to favor above-normal temperatures into late next week.
If you’re traveling on I-35, I-70, I-435, or U.S. 71, keep an eye on rapidly changing skies after mid-afternoon. Brief heavy rain could reduce visibility and create slick pavement. Outdoor events, youth sports, and construction crews should schedule extra hydration breaks and limit strenuous activity during peak afternoon heat.
The larger weather pattern continues to favor building heat across the central United States, while periodic thunderstorm chances ride the edge of the ridge. Stay alert for updated statements if stronger storms begin to organize later today.
Will your neighborhood see rain, or will the heat win out? Let us know what conditions you’re seeing across the Kansas City area.
Five-Day Forecast for Kansas City, Missouri
- Sunday: Slight chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms. High 93°F, Low 76°F.
- Monday: Sunny and hot. High 97°F, Low 80°F.
- Tuesday: Sunny. High 95°F, Low 70°F.
- Wednesday: Sunny. High 88°F, Low 68°F.
- Thursday: Partly sunny with a 30% chance of showers. High 84°F, Low 70°F.
