Kansas City, MO – A sharp temperature turnaround will mark the start of the week as Kansas City moves from bitter cold to a brief warm-up Tuesday before another blast of cold air and strong winds sweep in midweek, forecasters at the National Weather Service said.
Cold air remains entrenched today across northern Missouri, keeping highs in the 20s and low 30s. Overnight temperatures will drop into the teens, with communities such as Chillicothe and Kirksville expected to start Tuesday morning near 10–14°F, according to early forecasts shared by the weather service.
Warming Trend Takes Over Tuesday
After a frigid start, conditions improve quickly by Tuesday afternoon. Locations along and south of I-70 will climb into the 50s, making it the warmest day of the week for many in the Kansas City region. Areas north of I-70 and east of I-35 will stay slightly cooler in the 40s, but still noticeably warmer than early-morning readings.
This warm-up will be short-lived, however, as the next strong weather system is set to move in by midweek.
Midweek Cold Front to Bring 30–40 mph Winds
Breezy to windy conditions develop Wednesday as a fresh surge of cold air pushes into the region. The National Weather Service noted that wind gusts may reach 30–40 mph, creating challenging travel conditions on open roads and elevated bridges.
High temperatures Wednesday will range from the mid-30s to mid-40s, dropping significantly compared to Tuesday’s highs. Wind chills will make it feel even colder during the morning and evening hours.
Colder Air Locks in by Thursday
The cooler air mass settles more firmly over Missouri on Thursday. Forecast highs are expected to fall into the upper 20s to mid-30s, with limited warming even during the afternoon hours. Skies may remain mostly clear, but the reinforcing cold will be the dominant weather story.
Late Week: Coldest Stretch of the Season
By Friday into the weekend, temperatures will run well below normal across the region. Overnight lows will dip into the teens, and some northern Missouri locations may experience single-digit readings.
This pattern marks a return to winter after Tuesday’s brief break from the cold. Meteorologists continue to monitor potential impacts from the colder air mass, especially for rural areas where exposed pipes, livestock, and unprotected outdoor equipment may be affected.
What Residents Should Keep in Mind
Residents should plan for quickly changing conditions. A day of mild air will be followed by a gusty, colder pattern midweek, then an even harsher round of cold by the weekend.
Those traveling long distances, particularly along interstates, should be mindful of wind gusts Wednesday and bundle up later in the week as temperatures plunge. While no major winter storm is currently expected, the colder pattern may increase the risk of frostbite during extended outdoor exposure.
If you live in the Kansas City area or northern Missouri, share how the temperature swings are affecting your routine in the comments below.
