Kansas City Expects Doubling Thunderstorms for at Least Six Hours, Continuing into the Night

Gary Lezak, the chief meteorologist for KSHB, reports that there are clouds streaming across the sky this morning, and thunderstorms are being produced over central Kansas by an upper-level disturbance. Even though they are still several hours away, these thunderstorms are moving toward Kansas City.

Cloud Buildup

Early in the day, building stratocumulus and cumulus clouds can be seen in the skies.

Lezak added that there is an upper-level disturbance moving toward the city. He explains that Kansas is in the monsoon flow of moisture.

This morning, a flow disturbance that is caught in the monsoon flow is moving and bringing thunderstorms. The term "summer monsoon" in the United States refers to the seasonal flow aloft that transports moisture to the southwest of the country. This moisture has been moving east over Kansas City this week, as it sometimes does.

Progressing Readings Showing Thunderstorms

Lezak brought up the tropical flow of moisture crossing Mexico and entering New Mexico, and how the current pattern is directing this moisture this morning directly over Kansas City. This moisture is traveling from the tropics through central America and into the United States. This monsoon flow is what caused the clouds we can see today.

Lezak noted that the number of lightning strikes had doubled in the preceding 26 minutes since the last radar reading. This indicates that the disturbance will be strong enough to support the showers and thunderstorms for at least another six hours or so. Additionally, he noted that some fresh showers are developing in an arcing band nearer Kansas City.

Lezak made the announcement that the number of thunderclaps reflected in the radar readings had doubled after another 15 minutes.

The team will be closely monitoring these thunderstorms and this disturbance, the meteorologist said. Later today or tonight, there is a slight chance of severe weather in the city. Tonight, a new area of thunderstorms may develop; this area will be watched for any potentially powerful storms.

Kansas City Daily Weather Timeline

The KSHB forecast predicts increasing and thickening clouds with a chance of showers and thunderstorms by noon for the Kansas City weather today. This morning, there is a 5% chance of rain early on, 20% by 10 a.m., and 50% by noon. This afternoon, with a high of 83°, there is a 60 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms.

With a low of 67° tonight, there is a 60% chance of showers and thunderstorms. On Friday, any lingering showers or thunderstorms will end by midday, and temperatures will then rise into the lower 90s.