Missouri – Headlights glow through pockets of fog this morning as mild air pools along river valleys and low-lying roads around Kansas City. Visibility drops quickly in spots, especially south of I-70, giving the day an early winter edge despite unseasonable warmth building in.
According to the National Weather Service in Kansas City/Pleasant Hill, patchy fog lingers through the morning hours before sunshine breaks through. Highs climb into the lower 60s today, with calm winds allowing fog to redevelop again late tonight into early Wednesday, particularly in rural areas and near waterways.
The warm stretch strengthens midweek. Afternoon temperatures surge into the mid to upper 60s Wednesday and Christmas Day, flirting with record territory. Dry weather dominates, keeping roads clear across the metro and nearby counties in both Missouri and eastern Kansas. For now, holiday travel remains smooth on I-35, I-70, and I-435.
That calm pattern shifts late in the weekend. Meteorologists are tracking a sharp cooldown arriving after several mild days. Temperatures tumble Saturday night, falling from the 60s during the day into the upper 20s by Sunday morning. That swing raises a classic December concern: flash freezing. Any moisture from fog or daytime condensation could refreeze quickly after sunset.
Drivers returning home after Christmas should plan ahead. Bridges and shaded stretches tend to ice first. Slow down during early morning and evening hours, and stay alert for sudden slick spots.
Winter may have taken a back seat this week, but it tightens its grip as the final days of December approach.
Five-Day Outlook for Kansas City, Missouri
- Today: Patchy fog early, then sunny, high near 62.
- Wednesday: Partly sunny, high near 66.
- Christmas Day: Partly sunny, high near 68.
- Friday: Sunny, high near 67.
- Saturday: Mostly sunny, high near 64, colder air late.
