Winter in the Heartland is always a bit of a gamble. One minute you’re enjoying a crisp, sunny afternoon, and the next, you’re digging your car out of a drift while the wind whips across the Missouri River. If you’ve been looking out the window today, Thursday, January 15, 2026, wondering how much snow is expected in kansas city, the answer is basically "not much yet, but keep your shovel handy for tomorrow."
Honestly, Kansas City weather likes to keep us on our toes. Right now, it's a quiet, clear night with periodic clouds and a temperature of 36°F. It feels a bit nippier—around 30°F—thanks to a 8 mph southwest wind. But don't let the calm fool you.
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The Immediate Outlook: Light Snow on the Way
If you have plans for Friday, January 16, you might want to factor in some extra travel time. The forecast is calling for light snow tomorrow. While we aren't looking at a massive blizzard that shuts down the entire metro, the City of Kansas City snow teams are already out pre-treating roads as of 9:30 this morning.
Here is the breakdown of the next 24 to 48 hours:
- Tonight: Mostly cloudy with a 20% chance of snow. Lows will dip to 20°F.
- Friday: This is the main event for the week. Expect a high of 40°F, but don't let that warmth fool you; light snow is likely during the day and evening. The wind is going to kick up, too, shifting to the northwest at 17 mph.
- Saturday: Things dry out, but the temperature craters. We’re looking at a high of only 21°F and a low of 11°F. Any slush from Friday is going to freeze solid.
Basically, Friday is the day to watch. The chance of precipitation sits at 20% for both the day and night. It’s not a "stockpile milk and bread" kind of storm, but it's enough to make the Friday evening commute a mess.
Why the Forecast Keeps Changing
You've probably noticed that one weather app says an inch and another says three. Predicting exactly how much snow is expected in kansas city is notoriously difficult because we sit right in the middle of several competing weather patterns. This season, we’re dealing with a weak La Niña.
Historically, a weak La Niña means Kansas City can go either way. National Weather Service data shows that since the early 90s, these patterns have actually trended a bit wetter for our region. While La Niña usually favors colder temperatures in the Northern Plains, here in Missouri and Kansas, we often sit on the edge of the "warmer than average" and "colder than average" zones.
This results in a "yo-yo" effect. On Sunday, January 18, it'll be 44°F. By Monday, it drops back to 28°F. That constant freezing and thawing is actually worse for our roads than a steady deep freeze.
Looking Further Into January
If you're a fan of the white stuff, late January might be your time to shine. While the next few days look light, long-range outlooks suggest a potential for more significant activity as we move toward the end of the month.
Statistically, January is one of our snowiest months, averaging between 4 to 6 inches total. So far in 2026, we’ve been a bit below that curve. Current snowpack levels across the state are only about 50% of normal. In fact, some areas nearby reported only a trace to an inch of snow over the last few days.
What to expect next week:
- Monday & Tuesday: Mostly sunny and clear. Highs will bounce from 28°F on Monday to a much milder 46°F on Tuesday.
- Wednesday & Thursday: Expect partly sunny skies with highs in the mid-40s.
- Friday, Jan 23: Mark your calendar. There’s a 25% chance of snow returning, and this one looks a bit more sustained than the dusting we're expecting this week.
Actionable Tips for KC Residents
Since we know light snow and freezing temperatures are hitting on Friday and Saturday, here is what you should actually do.
Forget the panic buying. Instead, check the Kansas City Snow Plow Map if you’re worried about your specific neighborhood. The city is currently running 12-hour shifts to prioritize ice control. Because the temperatures on Saturday and Sunday nights will be in the low teens (11°F to 13°F), any untreated water or melted snow will turn into "black ice."
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Make sure your tires are properly inflated; cold snaps like the one coming Saturday morning can drop your tire pressure significantly. Also, if you haven't wrapped your outdoor spigots yet, do it before Saturday's 11°F low.
Keep an eye on the Friday afternoon updates. If that 20% chance of snow drifts upward, those northwest winds at 17 mph will make visibility much worse than the actual snowfall totals might suggest. Stay safe out there on I-435; it's going to be a slick one.