Kansas City, MO — A round of thunderstorms is expected to sweep through the metro area on Wednesday afternoon, bringing the potential for hail, gusty winds, and isolated tornadoes before cooler air settles in later this week.
According to the FOX Forecast Center, scattered storms are likely to begin after 2 p.m. and could last well into the night.
Severe Weather Potential
The Storm Prediction Center (SPC) has highlighted parts of Kansas and Missouri as being most at risk for thunderstorms. While officials are not expecting a widespread severe outbreak, forecasters warned that the strongest cells may still produce hail and damaging winds.
“Similar to Tuesday, a significant severe weather outbreak is not anticipated, but that does not mean the SPC will not receive damage reports,” forecasters noted.
The SPC, working with the National Weather Service, could issue a Severe Thunderstorm Watch ahead of the main storm activity, depending on weather balloon data gathered throughout the day.
What a Watch Means
If issued, a Severe Thunderstorm Watch indicates conditions are favorable for storms to develop that may bring:
- Large hail
- Damaging winds of 58 mph or greater
- Heavy rain capable of localized flooding
While tornadoes are not expected to be widespread, forecasters said an isolated Tornado Warning cannot be ruled out if storms remain discrete before sunset, as reported by FOX Weather.
Cold Front Brings Change
Once the cold front moves through late Wednesday evening and overnight, the storms will taper off, paving the way for a significant cool down.
- Thursday highs: Low to mid-70s in Kansas City — about 10 degrees below early September averages.
- Overnight lows: Expected to dip into the 50s.
- Extended outlook: The cooler Canadian air mass is likely to linger for several days, keeping highs in the 70s and lows in the 50s into early next week.
Rain Chances Into Next Week
Light rain remains a possibility toward the end of the week and into early next week. However, much of the Midwest is expected to stay dry, while greater rainfall totals are forecast for the Northeast and Southeast.
Staying Prepared
Meteorologists advise residents to keep an eye on weather alerts throughout Wednesday afternoon and evening. Severe weather can develop quickly, so residents should:
- Monitor SPC and NWS updates for any watches or warnings.
- Have a plan in place if storms turn severe.
- Avoid outdoor activities during the strongest storms.
With thunderstorms on the way followed by cooler Canadian air, Kansas City residents will see a noticeable shift in weather as September begins.
What are your thoughts on this forecast? Will cooler temperatures be a welcome change after stormy weather? Share your views in the comments below.
