Missouri greets the morning with stiff cold and quiet skies as winter tightens its grip across the Kansas City metro. Frost coats windshields, breath hangs in the air, and temperatures hover near 20 degrees just after sunrise. Winds remain light, but the cold bites hard enough to demand gloves and extra layers.
This December cold snap eases as the sun climbs. High pressure keeps skies clear, allowing temperatures to rebound into the mid-40s later today. Roads stay dry, but shaded areas and bridges may remain slick early. Drivers should allow extra time through the morning commute, especially along I-70 and I-435.
Relief builds quickly heading into Tuesday. Sunshine dominates again, and highs rise into the low 50s. It will feel noticeably different by afternoon, with milder air spreading across western Missouri and eastern Kansas. Outdoor plans improve, and travel conditions remain favorable.
By Wednesday, Kansas City enters a calm and mild stretch. Afternoon temperatures reach the low to mid-50s, well above mid-December averages. Clouds increase Wednesday night, but precipitation chances stay minimal for now. Meteorologists note this warmup as an early sign of an active late-week pattern.
Thursday brings the next change to watch. Highs settle near 48 degrees, still mild, with mostly sunny skies. While rain chances remain low locally, regional systems later in the week could reintroduce colder air after sunset. Any moisture on roads could freeze quickly once temperatures drop, creating isolated slick spots.
Looking toward the weekend, temperatures stay seasonable with highs climbing back into the mid-50s Saturday before easing Sunday. No snow threats appear imminent, but this is classic December transition weather.
Five-Day Outlook for Kansas City, MO
• Today: Sunny, cold morning, high near 45°F
• Tuesday: Sunny and milder, high near 51°F
• Wednesday: Mostly sunny, high near 53°F
• Thursday: Mostly sunny, high near 48°F
• Friday: Mild and dry, high near 47°F
