Kansas City, Missouri, August 14, 2025
News Summary
Kansas City is gearing up for severe winter weather with heavy snowfall and record cold temperatures expected. The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning predicting snow accumulation of 3 to 7 inches and hazardous travel conditions. Schools and businesses are planning closures, while local authorities advise residents to stay indoors and be cautious on the roads as the storm approaches. The community responds to these challenges as they navigate the implications of this winter storm amid a historical context of wet summers.
Kansas City Braces for Severe Winter Weather with Snow and Cold Temperatures Expected
Kansas City is preparing for severe winter weather, with heavy snowfall and record low temperatures expected this week. The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning effective from midnight Tuesday to 9 p.m. Wednesday, predicting snow accumulation between 3 to 7 inches across the region. Additionally, frigid temperatures are projected to persist through Friday, creating challenging conditions for travelers and residents alike.
The impending storm has prompted schools across multiple districts, including Kansas City, Kansas, to announce closures in anticipation of hazardous weather. Local businesses, particularly restaurants, are also preparing for disruptions as they brace for the winter storm, coinciding with Valentine’s Day. While many establishments expect to experience a busy weekend, they must navigate the challenges posed by the anticipated weather.
Current Winter Weather Forecast
Forecast reports indicate low visibility due to snow and strong winds, putting a strain on travel conditions. The Missouri State Highway Patrol is on alert, having responded to numerous accidents and stranded motorists resulting from the winter weather. Significant travel impacts are anticipated for Wednesday morning commuters, necessitating caution for anyone on the roads.
Wet Summer and Its Implications for Winter
This winter’s harsh conditions come after an exceptionally wet summer in Kansas City, which recorded 16.55 inches of rain. The correlation between wet summers and snowy winters is a topic of discussion among meteorologists and weather enthusiasts. Joe Lauria, a local blogger, analyzed data from the summer of 1980 to assess the impact of summer rainfall on subsequent winter snowfall.
From 1980 to the present, Kansas City has seen an average summer rainfall of 13.60 inches from June 1 to August 31, resulting in an average winter snowfall of 17.8 inches during the following winter months. Lauria defines a “wet summer” as one with over 15.6 inches of rainfall and a “snowy winter” as one with over 20 inches of snow. Despite identifying 15 wet summers and 16 snowy winters, he concluded there is no strong correlation between summer rain levels and winter snow totals, finding only five instances where a wet summer directly led to a snowy winter.
Travel and Community Response
As the Kansas City community braces for severe weather, many local libraries and government offices are also planning to close in response to the forecasts. The local government encourages residents to stay indoors during the storm if possible and to be aware of the potential for disruptions to daily life.
The Kansas City area has shown a pattern of yearly variations in both summer rainfall and winter snowfall from 1980 through 2024. While historical weather data provides valuable insights, the current focus remains on ensuring community safety amidst this week’s severe winter conditions. Local residents are urged to stay updated on weather forecasts and advisories while preparing for a potential storm while also considering the implications of a wet summer on the upcoming snowy season.
Summary
Dangerous winter weather is approaching Kansas City, characterized by heavy snowfall and record cold temperatures. Schools and businesses are taking precautionary measures, while local authorities are preparing for potential travel issues and emergency responses. The relationship between prior summer rainfall and upcoming winter weather remains an area of inquiry, but current predictions emphasize the immediate impact of the approaching storm.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What weather conditions can Kansas City residents expect this week?
Residents can expect heavy snowfall accumulating between 3 to 7 inches, along with record-setting cold temperatures and low visibility due to snow and strong winds.
Which schools are closing due to the severe weather?
Schools across multiple districts in the Kansas City area, including Kansas City, Kansas, have announced closures in anticipation of the dangerous weather conditions.
What safety measures are being taken in response to the storm?
The Missouri State Highway Patrol is preparing for increased accidents and stranded motorists while local libraries and government offices plan closures. Residents are advised to stay informed and limit travel if possible.
Is there a connection between wet summers and snowy winters in Kansas City?
Based on a study of data dating back to 1980, there is no strong correlation established between wet summers and snowy winters, though individual cases have been noted.
Key Weather Features
| Weather Element | Forecast |
|---|---|
| Snow Accumulation | 3 to 7 inches |
| Winter Storm Warning Duration | Midnight Tuesday to 9 p.m. Wednesday |
| Record Cold Temperatures | Through Friday |
| School Closures | Multiple districts including Kansas City, Kansas |
| Region Travel Impact | Hazardous conditions expected |
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Additional Resources
- KSHB: Bitter Cold and Snow Blanket Kansas City
- Wikipedia: Winter
- Kansas City Star: Weather Updates
- Google Search: Kansas City weather
- KCTV5: Hardware Stores Prepare for Winter Weather
- Google Scholar: Winter Weather Impacts
- Fox4KC: Restaurants Brace for Winter Weather
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Winter Storm
- KMBC: Winter Weather Alert
- Google News: Kansas City winter weather
Author: STAFF HERE KANSAS CITY WRITER
The KANSAS CITY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKansasCity.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Kansas City, Jackson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as American Royal World Series of Barbecue, Dia De Los Muertos, and Planet Anime Kansas City. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Kansas City, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Children's Mercy Hospital, Government Employees Health Association, and AMC Entertainment. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREStLouis.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Missouri's dynamic landscape.
