Severe Thunderstorms Expected to Hit Kansas City This Evening

Severe Thunderstorms Loom Over Kansas City

Kansas City residents, get ready! It looks like the weather is gearing up for quite the show this Wednesday evening. The National Weather Service has warned that severe thunderstorms are likely to develop as a cold front moves through the area. And we’re not just talking about a little rain—this could bring damaging winds and even the potential for brief tornadoes!

Windy Day Ahead

Before the storms roll in, you’ll want to brace yourself for a windy day. Throughout Wednesday and into Thursday morning, winds are expected to be sustained between 20 and 30 mph, with gusts possibly reaching as high as 40 mph. So, if you’re out and about, hold onto your hats—literally! Despite the wind, the temperatures are set to climb into the mid-70s, which is notably warm for this time of year, as Kansas City typically sees temperatures hovering around 61 degrees.

Thunderstorms Expected in the Evening

As the evening approaches, be prepared for a series of thunderstorms to develop. The weather service indicates that while some isolated storms might pop up in the afternoon, the real concerns lie with a line of storms expected to form along a front later in the evening. With that line, we could see strong damaging winds and the possibility of brief tornadoes.

The Storm Prediction Center has placed Kansas City, along with neighboring cities like Overland Park, Olathe, and Topeka, under an enhanced risk for severe thunderstorms—this is the third highest level on their scale. So, it’s quite important to stay alert and be prepared.

Rain and Flash Flooding

That’s not all, folks. These storms are predicted to bring heavy rain and lightning, with some areas possibly receiving up to 2 inches of rain if storms linger over the same locations. The timeline for these thunderstorms may change, but it looks like northwestern Missouri might see them late in the afternoon, while central Missouri and areas to the south can expect storms overnight. So, make sure to keep your rain gear handy!

Halloween Weather Update

As we move into Halloween, conditions are expected to shift. The winds should calm down as the cold front passes. However, if you are planning on trick-or-treating, be aware that temperatures will drop into the mid-50s during the day, and by sunset, it might dip down into the low 50s and even lower into the low 40s overnight. If you’re in northern Missouri, prepare for even chillier conditions as temperatures approach freezing!

A Slight Warm-Up on the Weekend

The good news? After a chilly Halloween, Kansas City can expect a slight warming trend heading into the weekend. Temperatures are predicted to climb to the low 60s on Friday, the mid-60s on Saturday, and even rise to the upper 60s on Sunday. But don’t get too comfortable just yet—another round of storms is forecast for Saturday into Sunday, potentially bringing more heavy rainfall!

What to Do Next?

It’s wise to stay informed about the weather as the day progresses. The weather service provides a live data feed on warnings, watches, and advisories, so tapping into that can keep you updated. Remember to keep safety as a priority and make plans accordingly!