What should you know about Kansas City's weather?
- NWS office
- Kansas City/Pleasant Hill (EAX)
- Climate
- Hot-summer humid continental
- Time zone
- CST/CDT
- Elevation
- 901 ft
- Coordinates
- 39.10° N, 94.58° W
- Nearest radar
- KEAX · Pleasant Hill NEXRAD · 26 mi
- County
- Jackson County, MO
- Yearly rain
- 38.1 in
- Warmest month
- July · 81°F average
- Coldest month
- January · 31°F average
- Severe storm peak
- May to Jul
How much rain does Kansas City get each month?
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 39.9 | 45.1 | 56.6 | 66.8 | 76.2 | 85.8 | 90.2 | 88.6 | 80.4 | 68.2 | 54.5 | 43.9 |
| Low °F | 22.2 | 26.4 | 36.2 | 46.3 | 57.2 | 67.2 | 71.9 | 69.9 | 61.0 | 48.7 | 36.3 | 26.7 |
| Rain (in) | 1.02 | 1.53 | 2.08 | 3.89 | 5.10 | 5.33 | 4.38 | 4.68 | 3.78 | 3.24 | 1.80 | 1.30 |
| Month | High °F | Low °F | Rain (in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 39.9 | 22.2 | 1.02 |
| Feb | 45.1 | 26.4 | 1.53 |
| Mar | 56.6 | 36.2 | 2.08 |
| Apr | 66.8 | 46.3 | 3.89 |
| May | 76.2 | 57.2 | 5.10 |
| Jun | 85.8 | 67.2 | 5.33 |
| Jul | 90.2 | 71.9 | 4.38 |
| Aug | 88.6 | 69.9 | 4.68 |
| Sep | 80.4 | 61.0 | 3.78 |
| Oct | 68.2 | 48.7 | 3.24 |
| Nov | 54.5 | 36.3 | 1.80 |
| Dec | 43.9 | 26.7 | 1.30 |
KANSAS CITY DOWNTOWN AP, MO US · 2 mi away · NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991 to 2020
Why is Brush Creek so dangerous in a flash flood?
Brush Creek floods fast, and its worst floods have killed people in cars and on bridges. On October 4, 1998, flash flooding along Brush Creek, Turkey Creek and Indian Creek killed eleven people, eight of them when Brush Creek flooded the Prospect Road bridge. Ten of the eleven deaths happened after sunset and in automobiles, according to NWS Kansas City/Pleasant Hill. At the time, only the September 11 to 12, 1977 flash flood had been deadlier, killing 29 people and affecting the Country Club Plaza.
What does the Kansas City weather radar show in a flash flood?
It estimates how much rain falls each hour, not only where the storms are. On October 4, 1998, the Pleasant Hill radar estimated 4 to 5 inches of rain over the Brush Creek basin between about 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. Brush Creek near Ward Parkway then rose nearly 13 feet in one hour and crested at 50.14 feet. At 50 feet on that gauge, water overtops the Ward Parkway bridge and covers Ward Parkway and Shawnee Mission Parkway nearby.
What was the Ruskin Heights tornado?
It was the most destructive and deadly tornado since 1950 in the area now served by NWS Kansas City/Pleasant Hill, and it struck on the evening of May 20, 1957. The F5 tornado began near Williamsburg, Kansas and traveled a 71 mile path, crossing the state line at Martin City. It tore through Hickman Mills and Ruskin Heights, where 37 lives were lost. In all, 44 people died and 531 were injured.
How high can the Missouri River get at Kansas City?
The record crest at the Kansas City gauge is 48.87 feet, set on July 27, 1993. Other high marks include 46.2 feet on July 14, 1951 and 40.6 feet on April 24, 1952. At 39 feet, gaps in the levees and floodwalls of the Central Industrial District must be closed, and at 40 feet the same work is needed at North Kansas City. Radar shows rain over the metro, but river crests build from water upstream, so follow National Weather Service river forecasts.
How much snow does Kansas City get?
Kansas City International Airport averages 18.2 inches of snow a year under 1991 to 2020 normals. February is the snowiest month there at 5.9 inches, followed by January at 4.9 and December at 4.0. Kansas City Downtown Airport averages 11.0 inches, so totals can differ a lot across the metro. Radar can show where a snow band sits, but check the forecast for totals before the morning commute.
When should you check the Kansas City radar?
Severe storm season
May to JulyAbout 55% of the county's 1996 to 2025 severe reports fall from May to July. Check the loop before a Royals game at Kauffman Stadium or a walk in Loose Park.
Freeze season
November 2 to April 4These are the median dates of the first fall and last spring 32°F freeze for Kansas City under 1991 to 2020 normals. Frost comes on clear, still nights that leave the radar blank, so check the hourly low before planting in Brookside or an early drive on I-70.
What else do people ask about the Kansas City radar?
Which NWS office and radar cover Kansas City?
NWS Kansas City/Pleasant Hill (EAX) issues forecasts and warnings for Kansas City. The nearest NEXRAD radar is KEAX, about 26 miles from the city center.
How often does the radar on this page update?
The radar loop on this page updates every 5 minutes.
Is this page an official warning service?
No. It shows radar and forecasts only. For warnings, follow NWS Kansas City/Pleasant Hill and local emergency alerts.
Quick facts
- Radar: KEAX (Pleasant Hill NEXRAD), a new frame every 5 minutes
- Forecasts and warnings: NWS Kansas City/Pleasant Hill (EAX)
- Severe storms peak from May to July (NOAA Storm Events, 1996 to 2025)
- Local time: CST/CDT
- Radar: KEAX, a new frame every 5 minutes
- Warnings: NWS Kansas City/Pleasant Hill (EAX)
- Severe storms: May to July
- Local time: CST/CDT
Where does this data come from?
- NOAA NEXRAD radar via Iowa Environmental Mesonet
- National Weather Service, Kansas City/Pleasant Hill office
- NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991 to 2020: KANSAS CITY DOWNTOWN AP, MO US
- NOAA NCEI Storm Events Database, 1996 to 2025
- USGS Elevation Point Query Service
- GOES-East satellite imagery
- Open-Meteo forecast API
- OpenStreetMap contributors
- NWS Kansas City/Pleasant Hill: Kansas City flash flood, October 4, 1998
- NWS Kansas City/Pleasant Hill: Ruskin Heights tornado, May 20, 1957
- NOAA NWPS: Brush Creek at Ward Parkway flood impacts
- NOAA NWPS: Missouri River at Kansas City flood impacts and crests
- NOAA NCEI: 1991 to 2020 normals, Kansas City International Airport
- NOAA NCEI: 1991 to 2020 normals, Kansas City Downtown Airport