What should you know about Olathe's weather?
- NWS office
- Kansas City/Pleasant Hill (EAX)
- Climate
- Hot-summer humid continental
- Time zone
- CST/CDT
- Elevation
- 1,026 ft
- Coordinates
- 38.88° N, 94.82° W
- Nearest radar
- KEAX · Pleasant Hill NEXRAD · 30 mi
- County
- Johnson County, KS
- Yearly rain
- 37.7 in
- Warmest month
- July · 78.2°F average
- Coldest month
- January · 30°F average
- Severe storm peak
- Apr to Jun
How much rain does Olathe get each month?
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 38.7 | 43.8 | 55.1 | 64.9 | 73.9 | 83.2 | 87.5 | 86.7 | 78.1 | 66.5 | 53.1 | 42.2 |
| Low °F | 21.2 | 25.3 | 35.1 | 44.8 | 55.3 | 64.9 | 68.9 | 67.3 | 58.6 | 46.9 | 34.8 | 25.4 |
| Rain (in) | 1.06 | 1.41 | 2.27 | 3.87 | 5.38 | 5.15 | 4.22 | 4.38 | 3.54 | 3.01 | 2.03 | 1.42 |
| Month | High °F | Low °F | Rain (in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 38.7 | 21.2 | 1.06 |
| Feb | 43.8 | 25.3 | 1.41 |
| Mar | 55.1 | 35.1 | 2.27 |
| Apr | 64.9 | 44.8 | 3.87 |
| May | 73.9 | 55.3 | 5.38 |
| Jun | 83.2 | 64.9 | 5.15 |
| Jul | 87.5 | 68.9 | 4.22 |
| Aug | 86.7 | 67.3 | 4.38 |
| Sep | 78.1 | 58.6 | 3.54 |
| Oct | 66.5 | 46.9 | 3.01 |
| Nov | 53.1 | 34.8 | 2.03 |
| Dec | 42.2 | 25.4 | 1.42 |
OLATHE JOHNSON CO EXEC AP, KS US · 5 mi away · NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991 to 2020
What can Olathe weather radar show during a damaging storm line?
It can show the line approaching, but a damage survey is needed to distinguish the wind footprints it leaves behind. On May 19, 2024, the surveyed wind-damage path from northern Olathe toward Overland Park measured 3.58 miles, with estimated peak winds of 70 mph. Damage continued across Johnson County Community College and ended southeast of Oak Park Mall. Trees took most of the damage, with the pattern consistent with straight-line wind. A storm does not need a separate isolated cell to cause serious damage along its path.
Can strong winds reach the city before thunderstorms arrive?
Yes: Johnson County Executive Airport in Olathe recorded a 60 mph gust during the December 15, 2021 wind event. The NWS Kansas City/Pleasant Hill review describes strong non-thunderstorm winds both ahead of and behind the storms. Check the wind forecast before leaving even if the rain band is still west of town.
Why should I compare rain over each creek basin?
Rain at the airport does not necessarily represent the rain feeding another creek. A USGS study using Olathe Johnson County Executive Airport precipitation data found that actual rainfall varied among watersheds in its study area. The local 1991 to 2020 normals also show a wet late spring, with 5.38 inches in May and 5.15 inches in June. Watch where cells repeatedly develop across the loop, then check creek observations and road closures instead of treating an airport total as a citywide flood measurement.
How cold has Olathe been, and will radar show it?
The NWS Kansas City/Pleasant Hill winter-history table lists an Olathe temperature of -29°F on February 12, 1899, a hazard that precipitation radar cannot measure. The normal January overnight low at Johnson County Executive Airport is 21.2°F. Compare the hourly temperature and wind with the precipitation loop during a cold outbreak. A clear frame does not establish whether earlier moisture has frozen on pavement.
When should you check the Olathe radar?
Thunderstorm planning
April to JuneAbout 62% of Johnson County's 1996 to 2025 severe reports fall from April to June. Before an outing at Two Trails Park, check whether a storm line is approaching and allow time to reach a sturdy building.
Snow and slick-path checks
October to AprilDuring the local snowfall window, compare broad precipitation areas with temperatures before visiting Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop & Farm Historic Site. Check access notices separately because radar cannot show ice on outdoor walking surfaces.
What else do people ask about the Olathe radar?
Which NWS office and radar cover Olathe?
NWS Kansas City/Pleasant Hill (EAX) issues forecasts and warnings for Olathe. The nearest NEXRAD radar is KEAX, about 30 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 April to June (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: April to June
- 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: OLATHE JOHNSON CO EXEC AP, KS 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: Metro squall-line damage surveys
- NWS Kansas City/Pleasant Hill: December high winds
- USGS: Johnson County streamflow and precipitation study
- NWS Kansas City/Pleasant Hill: Winter weather statistics
- National Park Service: Mahaffie historic site and location