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Severe Cold Weather Hits Kansas City: What You Need to Know

Residents navigating a snowy Kansas City street as severe cold weather hits the area.

News Summary

Kansas City is grappling with severe cold weather as a Cold Weather Advisory is in place, pushing wind chill values down to -23°F in some areas. Record-breaking low temperatures have forced many schools to suspend classes, and the National Weather Service urges residents to dress warmly. Although a slight warm-up is expected later this week, current conditions call for caution and preparation against frostbite and exposure. Stay informed and bundled up amidst this cold snap!

Severe Cold Weather Hits Kansas City: What You Need to Know

Kansas City is in for a chilly surprise! A Cold Weather Advisory has been issued by the National Weather Service (NWS), and they mean business, folks. The advisory will last through noon on Tuesday, so grab your warmest coat and buckle up for some seriously cold temps!

Record-Breaking Low Temperatures

As of 5 a.m. today, the wind chill values around the city reported a bone-chilling -17°F at the Kansas City International Airport (KCI) and an equally frigid -16°F downtown. Other areas aren’t faring much better. For instance, St. Joseph is seeing wind chills dip to a staggering -21°F, while Kirksville is even colder at -23°F. Ouch! Just thinking about it gives you goosebumps!

In fact, Kansas City broke a record low temperature for January 21, logging in at a frosty -7°F. This surpasses the previous record of -6°F set way back in 1935. If you thought it was cold then, you weren’t wrong!

Impact on Schools

Due to these bitterly cold temperatures, many school districts across the metro area have taken precautionary measures. As a result, classes have either been delayed or canceled entirely. Student safety is a top priority, and who wants to brave this weather for a day of learning anyway?

Safety Tips for the Brave

If you absolutely must head outdoors, the NWS has some important advice for you. Dress warmly, my friends! Make sure you’re bundled up in heavy coats, hats, gloves, and scarves. Trust us, you’ll thank yourself later. The forecast predicts that wind chill values could plummet as low as -15°F to -25°F throughout the area, which can lead to frostbite on exposed skin in as little as thirty minutes!

What’s Next?

Now, while today’s cold may feel like it’s here to stay, there’s a glimmer of hope on the horizon. Forecasts indicate that we may see some light snow on Wednesday, particularly north of Interstate 70, with accumulations of up to an inch. The high for Wednesday is expected to inch into the 30s, but don’t get too comfortable, as overnight lows will still drop into the teens to low 20s.

Thursday looks to bring some dry weather, but temperatures will still be around 10°F below normal for this time of year, which is hardly a warm welcome. But Friday could bring a slight relief, with temperatures possibly rising above freezing. However, again, expect nighttime lows around 27°F.

Keep an Eye on the Weekend

The weather looks to take a turn towards something a little warmer on Saturday, with highs inching close to 42°F expected. It’ll be a nice change, but don’t get too used to it—the temperatures are forecasted to dip again, settling into the mid-30s for Sunday.

Stay Informed

As the advisory continues and temperatures fluctuate, it’s essential to stay updated on the latest weather conditions. Remember, folks—your warmth and safety come first during these frigid temperatures. So stay safe, bundle up, and keep those blankets close! Kansas City, we’ll get through this cold snap together!