Kansas City Prepares for Severe Cold Weather This Week

A view of Kansas City covered in snow as residents prepare for severe cold weather.

News Summary

Kansas City is bracing for extreme cold this week as a Cold Weather Advisory goes into effect. With wind chills expected to plunge to -25 degrees, local school districts are announcing closures and delays. Organizations are stepping up to provide support for the homeless community, distributing essential supplies to those in need. Meanwhile, forecasts warn of additional cold snaps in the coming days, urging the community to prioritize safety and check on vulnerable populations.

Kansas City Braces for Bitterly Cold Weather This Week

As temperatures plummet and a frigid wind chill sweeps across the area, Kansas City is readying itself for some of the coldest weather of the season. Residents are urged to prepare as a Cold Weather Advisory kicks off at 6 p.m. on Monday and will stay in effect until noon on Tuesday, January 21, 2025. With anticipated wind chills plunging to a bone-chilling -25 degrees, the community is taking necessary steps to keep everyone safe.

School Closures and Delays

In light of these dangerous temperatures, several local school districts have announced closures for Tuesday. The Lawrence Kansas Schools are among four districts making the call to cancel classes, while Raytown C-2 Schools will be shifting to virtual learning. It’s not just Lawrence; Olathe Public Schools, Blue Valley School District, and Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools are notifying families of a two-hour delayed start due to the forecasted chill. Park Hill School District has also confirmed that it will start late on Tuesday for the safety of its students, joining De Soto and Turner School Districts in similar actions.

Kansas City Public Schools has laid out Plan A, wherein they will delay the start of classes for two hours but will be canceling sessions at early childhood centers. Parents and guardians across the board are receiving guidance to keep their little ones warmly bundled up.

Support for Kansas City’s Homeless Community

distribute thermal gloves, hand warmers, and resources for securing permanent housing.

Additionally, KC Heroes holds a weekly picnic at Washington Square Park, where volunteers provide meals and essential supplies to individuals experiencing homelessness. Despite the availability of warming shelters, many who are unhoused show hesitance to leave their tents. The organization’s outreach becomes even more critical as frostbite can occur within just 30 minutes of exposure at these extreme temperatures. This means that a warm and safe place is vital for those in need!

Forecasts and Future Cold Snap

National Weather Service has warned that this week’s frigid temperatures are just the start. Following a brief warm-up into the low 40s, Kansas City is expected to face another cold front come the weekend. Forecasts suggest daytime highs could struggle to reach 15 degrees, with nighttime temperatures potentially dropping below -1. Wind chills could reach an alarming 15 degrees below zero on Monday and Tuesday nights. The risk of frostbite will renew as temperatures drop.