Missouri — Early light glints off dry pavement as a calm, cool start gives way to rapid warming. Jackets feel optional by midday. This brief January pause from Winter will not last.
Temperatures climb quickly today, reaching 57°F under mostly sunny skies. Winds stay light, making travel smooth across I-70 and I-435. School drop-offs and commutes benefit from dry roads and clear visibility.
Tonight turns cooler, with lows near 37°F, but conditions remain quiet. By Wednesday, warmth surges again. Afternoon highs reach 62°F, well above normal for early January 2026. It feels almost springlike, to be fair, though clouds thicken late.
Changes accelerate after sunset Wednesday. Rain chances increase overnight as a developing system moves in from the Plains. Light rain arrives first, then steadier rainfall develops Thursday.
Thursday is the primary Weather Alert window. Rain becomes widespread, with precipitation chances near 80%. Highs settle near 55°F, keeping roads wet rather than icy. Expect reduced visibility, slick highways, and slower travel during daytime errands and evening commutes. Plan extra time if driving.
Thursday night stays unsettled, though rain coverage decreases. Friday trends cooler, with highs near 46°F. Rain chances linger early, then colder air filters in late. As temperatures drop toward 29°F Friday night, any remaining moisture could refreeze. Watch for black ice, especially on untreated roads and bridges.
The weekend looks brighter but colder. Saturday brings sunshine with highs near 41°F, followed by a crisp Sunday near 42°F. Winter steadies its grip again after this brief warm stretch.
Five-Day Outlook for Kansas City
- Today: Mostly sunny, high 57
- Wednesday: Sunny, warmer, high 62
- Thursday: Rain likely, high 55
- Friday: Cooler, chance rain, high 46
- Saturday: Sunny, colder, high 41
