Kansas City Weather: Smoke Clears as Storm Chances Arrive Friday With Fall-Like Temperatures
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – Residents across the metro are preparing for a shift in weather as Canadian wildfire smoke drifts through the region Thursday, followed by scattered showers and storms Friday that will bring a sharp drop in temperatures.
Hazy Skies and Air Quality Concerns
According to the National Weather Service in Kansas City, lingering haze will continue Thursday, reducing visibility and air quality. Sensitive groups are advised to limit outdoor activity until rain arrives to help clear the smoke.
Forecasters say the haze is tied to drifting smoke from Canadian wildfires, which has periodically impacted Midwestern skies throughout the summer. Local forecasts note that skies may remain hazy until showers develop Friday morning.
Storm Chances Friday
Scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms are expected to develop Friday morning, especially south of the Missouri River, with the heaviest rain forecast near Sedalia and Jefferson City. Lighter showers may still reach areas farther north.
Commuters should plan for potentially slick roads along I-70 and Highway 50, particularly during the Friday morning drive when storms are most active.
Fall-Like Weekend Ahead
Daytime highs Friday will only reach the mid-60s, nearly 15 degrees cooler than normal for early September. Overnight lows will fall into the low 50s, with widespread 40s possible by Sunday morning across northern and central Missouri.
The cooler pattern is expected to stick around into early next week, bringing a more fall-like feel across the Kansas City metro.
Five-Day Forecast for Kansas City
- Thursday: Hazy with smoke, high 78, low 55
- Friday: Scattered showers, isolated storms, high 66, low 55
- Saturday: Partly sunny, high 74, low 45
- Sunday: Mostly clear, high 72, low 48
- Monday: Sunny, high 76, low 52
With hazy skies clearing into storm chances Friday and a weekend of cool, crisp mornings ahead, Kansas City residents are getting an early taste of fall. For continued updates on changing Midwest weather, follow ChicagoMusicGuide.com.