Kansas City, Missouri – An unsettled winter pattern may take shape across northern Missouri late next week, with increasing chances for both rain and snow between Jan 20 and Jan 26. While exact storm timing remains uncertain, the broader setup favors multiple rounds of precipitation, with temperature swings playing a key role in determining precipitation type.
According to the National Weather Service and the Climate Prediction Center, northern Missouri is included in an area with a 40 percent chance of above-normal precipitation during the 8–14 day period. Temperature signals during that window suggest near-seasonal variability, keeping much of the region in a rain-snow transition zone depending on storm track and timing.
Areas along and north of the Missouri River, including Kansas City, St. Joseph, Chillicothe, and Kirksville, could see periods of rain during milder daytime hours, with snow or mixed precipitation becoming more likely overnight and during early morning hours. Even brief temperature drops could allow rain to change to snow, especially on the backside of passing systems.
Farther north toward the Iowa border, colder air may linger longer, increasing the chance for snow accumulation, particularly during nighttime periods. Central Missouri locations such as Columbia and Moberly may see a mix of rain and snow, with conditions changing quickly as systems move through.
Repeated wet and wintry periods could lead to slick roads, especially during morning and evening commutes on I-70, I-35, U.S. Route 36, and secondary highways. Ponding is also possible where rain falls before colder air arrives.
Residents are encouraged to monitor updated outlooks, prepare for changing travel conditions, and remain alert for possible winter weather advisories. Confidence in timing and impacts will improve as the period approaches, and additional alerts may be issued as systems become better defined heading into late January.
