The Weather Diary of Kansas City: A Wild Start to Halloween Week
Hello Kansas City! Buckle up because it’s been a windy ride this week and the weather doesn’t seem to plan on slowing down anytime soon. Monday and Tuesday were quite the sight, with winds gusting over 50 mph practically having a party in our backyards! Power outages were the name of the game as the strong gusts blew through, and I think it’s safe to say we were filled with a LOT of hot air!
As we rolled into Wednesday, the scene started to shift as a cold front made its way into our area, bringing with it the potential for some severe storms. The Storm Prediction Center reported a whopping 123 storm reports across the Great Plains in just one day, with an astounding 111 related to the fierce winds. In Atchison, just a hop, skip, and jump away from us, there was even chatter about a possible spin-up tornado along the storm line, but thankfully that warning was called off. However, a tornado warning was issued for Atchison later that day, so it’s been a true whirlwind of weather events!
A Silver Lining: Rain is on the Way!
Now here’s the silver lining! Just about a week ago, we were worrying that this October might end up being the driest on record in Kansas City. Although we’re still set to finish the month with a rain deficit, it’s a relief to see some rain finally gracing our forecast. That rain is setting the stage for a cool – but not arctic – Halloween for all our brave trick-or-treaters. As the sun dips down this evening, temperatures will hover around the low 50s and upper 40s, so a jacket or a fun sweatshirt layer over those costumes might just be a good idea!
As Friday morning rolls around, though, be prepared for a bit of a chill as we kick off the day in the upper 30s. But fear not! High pressure will keep Friday sunny and quiet—perfect for recovering from all that stormy activity earlier in the week. Yet, it looks like more wet weather is gearing up for the weekend.
Weekend Weather – What to Expect
For Saturday, we’re keeping an eye on some showers that may pulse north, but there’s a silver lining: it shouldn’t rain all day for everyone. The storms lack significant organization, so while a sprinkle is possible, it’s not a complete washout. However, by Sunday, prepare for a shift as low pressure builds in, bringing a warm front along with it. This means we could see some thunderstorm activity brewing, especially on Monday, which is looking to be the more turbulent day of the weekend.
And speaking of Monday, let’s talk about those Monday Night Football plans. With the Storm Prediction Center already placing us in a level 2 risk for severe weather, it’s time to start figuring out those inclement weather plans. As we move through the weekend into next week, we’re looking at increased chances for heavy rain across the area. And let’s not forget, as the temperatures plummet, there’s a chance that some of our friends to the northwest might see snow as these systems push through!
Wrapping It Up
It’s an exciting time to keep an eye on the weather as we head into November. Enjoy the cool but pleasant weather that we have today and tomorrow, and stay safe out there tonight while you’re out with those little ghosts and goblins. Here’s to a fun and festive Halloween in Kansas City!