A Tornado Watch remains in effect through 9 p.m. for much of the Kansas City area, with a chance for multiple tornadoes—some possibly violent—plus damaging 75 mph winds and baseball-size hail. Forecasters also warn of a Flood Watch to the north and expect dang
For many people across the Kansas City area, the day won’t feel like it’s over when the sun does. A Tornado Watch has been issued through 9 p.m. Wednesday, covering much of the region as forecasters warn of the kind of severe weather that can arrive with little time to think.
The watch signals a chance for multiple tornadoes, including some that may be violent. Alongside that threat, storms could bring damaging 75 mph winds and baseball-size hail.
There’s also a Flood Watch to the north through Thursday morning. Because the storms won’t be moving much, meteorologists say they could dump heavy rain repeatedly over the same areas. Some models are indicating a dangerous several inches of rain possible in localized spots.
Before any storms hit, the weather is expected to be oppressive. Temperatures climb to 90 degrees, but the heat index is expected to climb much higher—feeling between 100 and 105 degrees during the peak of the afternoon. Winds will gust from the south southwest up to 35 mph.
Storm development is its own stress point. Data suggests the storms could form in a ragged line somewhere from northeast Kansas to north central Missouri. Forecasters say the storms don’t look to move much, which means not everyone may even see rain—let alone severe weather.
The severe risk is expected to wind down after sunset, with the most serious threat easing by 10:00 p.m.
Thursday brings a sense of déjà vu. Another First Warn Weather Day is set for Thursday. with dangerous heat and severe weather threats returning as World Cup Fan Fest activities kick off. Highs will again be near 90 degrees, and heat index values are expected to approach or exceed 100 degrees. Gusty southwest winds could reach up to 35 mph.
Forecasters say storms will form in the afternoon, sometime between 2 and 5 p.m. The timing matters: if storms form earlier, they would threaten Fan Fest with severe storms. If they form later, they could skip over Kansas City and shift risk more toward areas east and south of the metro.
The current risk is Level 2/5 Severe Risk, with wind and hail listed as the primary threats, though tornadoes can’t be ruled out. A higher Level 3/5 risk is in place east of Kansas City from Marshall to Chillicothe.
Friday offers a true break from the heat. A cold front moves through Friday, bringing drier air and a much-needed drop in humidity. Expect sunny skies with highs in the low-to-mid 80s—the best day of the week.
The relief doesn’t last forever. First Warn has also been issued for Saturday, when another severe weather threat moves in along with a surge in humidity. A Level 2/5 Severe Risk is expected northwest of the metro, with a 60% chance of storms and highs in the mid-80s.
Sunday is expected to be drier and cooler, with temperatures in the 70s.
For people trying to plan around shifting threats, forecasters recommend staying on top of updates—weather can change fast during these watches.
Tornado Watch Kansas City severe weather Flood Watch baseball-size hail damaging winds heat index World Cup Fan Fest First Warn Weather