Missouri starts Monday with a sharp edge as cold air and stiff winds push across the Kansas City metro. Flags snap hard, bare trees sway, and the air feels raw before sunrise.
A Wind Advisory remains in effect for much of the Kansas City area through early Monday morning. Northwest winds of 20 to 25 mph, with gusts up to 40 mph, continue to create difficult travel conditions. Temperatures hover near 16 degrees, but wind chills drop into the single digits, briefly touching near zero.
According to the National Weather Service in Pleasant Hill, the strongest gusts persist through the early commute before easing later this morning. Loose objects may still blow around, and isolated power outages remain possible where branches fall.
Drivers on I-70, I-35, and I-435 should expect sudden crosswinds, especially on elevated roadways and open stretches. High-profile vehicles may struggle with stability. Dress for the cold and allow extra time if heading out early.
Conditions steadily improve by midday as winds relax and sunshine returns. Highs climb into the upper 20s Monday, though it stays brisk. Monday night turns calmer and cold again, with lows near 18 degrees.
The rest of the week trends quieter and milder. Tuesday warms into the low 40s with increasing clouds. Wednesday brings sunshine and highs in the mid-40s. New Year’s Day 2026 looks dry and seasonable, favorable for holiday travel and outdoor plans.
Despite the warmer trend, repeated cold mornings raise concerns for refreezing on untreated roads. Stay alert during early drives as winter maintains its grip into the final days of the year.
Five-Day Outlook for Kansas City, Missouri
- Monday: Windy early, improving, high 27
- Tuesday: Increasing clouds, high 42
- Wednesday: Sunny, high 46
- New Year’s Day: Partly sunny, high 39
- Thursday: Mostly cloudy, high 42
