Kansas City, Missouri — Residents across the Kansas City metro are preparing for another round of cool temperatures and wet weather as forecasters warn that more rain is expected before Memorial Day weekend arrives.
While the region saw a little sunshine midweek, the overall weather pattern has remained much cooler than normal for late May, keeping temperatures well below seasonal averages.
Cooler Temperatures Continue Across Metro
Wednesday brought brief breaks in the clouds and slightly brighter skies across parts of Kansas City, but temperatures still struggled to recover.
Meteorologists say the cooler pattern will continue through the end of the workweek, with daytime highs expected to remain in the lower 60s on Thursday. That is significantly below what residents typically experience this time of year.
The chilly conditions have been driven by a persistent weather system moving across the central United States, keeping clouds and scattered showers in the forecast.
Spotty Showers Expected Thursday
Forecasters say Thursday morning could begin with scattered or spotty showers across portions of the metro area.
Although rainfall during the daytime hours may remain light and inconsistent, weather conditions are expected to deteriorate later in the evening as another system approaches the region.
Rain chances are forecast to increase Thursday night and continue into Friday, bringing periods of wet weather to much of the Kansas City area.
Impact Days Issued for Thursday and Friday
Due to the expected rainfall and unsettled conditions, meteorologists have issued Impact Days for both Thursday and Friday.
The designation is intended to alert residents that weather conditions may affect travel plans, outdoor activities and commutes heading into the holiday weekend.
Despite the increased rain chances, forecasters stressed that the incoming system is not expected to produce severe weather, which comes as good news after weeks of storm activity across parts of the Midwest.
Residents are still encouraged to monitor weather updates, especially if they have outdoor plans scheduled later this week.
Memorial Day Weekend Forecast Begins Improving
There is some encouraging news heading into Memorial Day weekend, as forecasters believe the overall weather pattern will gradually begin shifting.
Although occasional rain chances are still expected during the holiday weekend, meteorologists say there should also be several dry periods mixed into the forecast, allowing residents opportunities to enjoy outdoor gatherings and travel plans.
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Temperatures are also expected to rebound noticeably after days of cooler weather.
Current forecasts show highs climbing back into the low to middle 70s by the weekend, bringing more comfortable conditions to the Kansas City area.
Holiday Travelers Keeping Close Eye on Forecast
With Memorial Day weekend marking one of the busiest travel periods of the year, many residents are closely watching the changing forecast.
Outdoor events, cookouts and travel plans could still face interruptions from occasional rain showers, but the absence of severe weather is providing some relief for families planning weekend activities.
Forecasters are expected to continue refining the holiday outlook over the next several days as the weather system moves through the region.
What are your plans for Memorial Day weekend, and are you worried about the weather forecast? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
