Simple Weather Update: Storms Possible in Kansas City This Evening (Explained Like You’re 5)

What Is Happening Today?

Today is called a First Alert Weather Impact Day. That’s just a friendly way of saying: “Hey! The weather might cause some trouble today, so pay attention.”

A batch of big, loud thunderstorms (a storm with rain, thunder, and lightning) already rolled through early this morning. They went through central Missouri. After they left, the air over Kansas City became calm and steady for the morning and early afternoon. Think of it like the sky took a nap after a tantrum.

Important Point! Because the morning storms calmed things down, we do not expect more storms until later this afternoon or evening.

The Morning Storm Damage

Early today, some strong storms brought very fast winds—like a fan turned up to maximum—between 50 and 70 miles per hour. These winds started near Lawrence, Kansas, went through the southern part of the Kansas City area, and kept going east to places called Clinton and Cole Camp in Missouri.

• Many people lost power (lights and TV went out).
• Trees got hurt and broken.
• You can track radar here to see where those storms were.

This morning’s storms made the air stable (calm) across eastern Kansas and western Missouri, so no new storms will pop up until this afternoon.

Which Places Are Under a Storm Watch?

The National Weather Service (the people who study weather) has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch until 9 p.m. tonight. A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is like a yellow caution sign: big storms might show up, so be ready.

Here are the places included:

Kansas:

• Johnson County
• Wyandotte County

Missouri:

• Adair County
• Caldwell County
• Carroll County
• Chariton County
• Clay County
• Clinton County
• Daviess County
• Grundy County
• Howard County
• Jackson County
• Lafayette County
• Linn County
• Livingston County
• Macon County
• Platte County
• Randolph County
• Ray County
• Saline County
• Sullivan County

What Could Happen Between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.?

Later today, from about 4:00 in the afternoon to 8:00 in the evening, some new storms might appear. Why? Because the cool air left behind by the morning rain, plus a twisty rising puff of air in the middle of the sky moving eastward, could stir up new clouds.

These new storms might be severe (meaning they can cause damage). Here’s what we are most worried about:

• Damaging wind gusts: Sudden strong blows that can break branches or knock things over. (This is the biggest concern.)
• Large hail: Big chunks of ice falling from the sky.
• Brief tornado: A quick spinning funnel. The chance is low, but we can’t say it won’t happen, so we must tell you.

Heads Up! The time to be most careful is 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Kansas City. We don’t think there will be tons of storms—just a couple or a few—but even one can be scary.

What Should You Do If You Have Outdoor Plans?

Good news: You can still go outside if you planned to! Just follow these easy steps:

1. Keep your plans—don’t cancel yet.
2. Check the forecast before you leave home (ask a grown-up or look at the weather on a phone).
3. Get a way to hear alerts—download the free KMBC app on a smartphone. It will beep if a watch or warning is issued for where you are.
4. Stay aware during the 4–8 p.m. window. If you hear thunder, go inside.

The KMBC app is a free download and works like a weather helper in your pocket.

Tomorrow’s World Cup Match in Kansas City

Oh, and guess what? The last World Cup match in Kansas City is happening! It took years to get here, and now it’s almost done.

The weather for tomorrow afternoon looks pretty nice. The tomorrow evening match should also have nice weather (the exact temperatures were cut off in the report, but it sounded good!).

Summary

• Today is a First Alert Weather Impact Day.
• Morning storms brought 50–70 mph winds, power outages, and tree damage in parts of KS and MO.
• Those morning storms calmed the sky for late morning/early afternoon.
• A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is up until 9 p.m. for many counties in KS and MO (listed above).
• New storms may come between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m., with strong winds the main worry; hail or a quick tornado possible but unlikely.
• If going out, check weather and use KMBC app for alerts.
• Tomorrow’s World Cup match weather looks nice.

FAQ

Q1: What does “Severe Thunderstorm Watch” mean in kid words?
A: It means the weather experts think big storms with strong wind or hail might happen soon in your area, so you should be ready to go inside if needed.

Q2: Will there be storms all day today?
A: No. The morning storms already passed and made the air calm. The next possible storms are later, between 4 and 8 p.m.

Q3: Should I cancel my picnic or outdoor fun?
A: You can keep your plans! Just check the forecast before you go and have the KMBC app to alert you if a storm comes.

Q4: Is a tornado definitely coming?
A: No. The chance of a brief tornado is low, but not zero. It’s just a small possibility we want you to know about.

Q5: How do I get weather alerts on my phone?
A: Download the free KMBC app from your phone’s app store. It will send a warning if your area gets a watch or warning.