Honestly, if you've lived in Lee's Summit for more than a single season, you know the drill. You wake up, check the window, and basically hope for the best. Missouri weather is legendary for its mood swings, and Lee's Summit is right in the thick of it. One day you’re looking at a manageable afternoon, and the next, the wind chill is trying to turn your eyelashes into icicles.
Understanding the Current Lee's Summit Weather Forecast
Right now, as of January 17, 2026, we’re staring down a pretty crisp reality. The temperature in Lee's Summit is sitting at 17°F, but don’t let that number fool you into thinking it's just "brisk." With a northwest wind kicking at 16 mph, the feels-like temperature is a staggering 1°F. That's the kind of cold that bites.
It's partly sunny out there, which is a bit of a tease, but the humidity is at 46%. If you're heading out to Longview Lake or just running into Downtown Lee's Summit for a coffee, you're going to want the heavy coat. Seriously.
The Week Ahead: A Temperature Rollercoaster
Looking at the 10-day trend, it’s a total mixed bag. Tomorrow, Sunday, January 18, we actually see a massive jump. The high hits 39°F, though the overnight low stays brutal at 12°F.
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Then, just when you think you can breathe, Tuesday, January 20 spikes up to 45°F. That 45 degrees is actually the peak for the week, but don't get too comfortable. By next weekend, Saturday, January 24, we’re crashing back down to a high of 19°F.
What Most People Get Wrong About Lee's Summit Snow
People always ask, "Is it going to dump snow?"
The truth is, our snow in Lee's Summit is often more about "nuance" than "blizzards." Take today, for example. The chance of precipitation is a measly 1%. But by Sunday, that jumps to 20% during the day.
Historically, January in Lee's Summit is actually one of our drier months. We average about 1.2 inches of total liquid precipitation, according to climate data from WeatherSpark. The real heavy hitters for snow usually hold off until February. But here’s the kicker: even an inch of "dry" snow with these 20 mph winds can create localized whiteouts on roads like 50 Highway or I-470.
The Ice Factor
If you remember the 2002 or 2009 storms, you know the word "ice" sends a shiver down every Missourian's spine. While the current forecast mostly points toward light snow showers (specifically a 35% chance on Sunday, January 25), the transition zones—where it hovers right at 32°F—are the danger zones.
Surviving the 2026 Winter Chill
Since the UV index is hovering around a 1 or 2, you don’t need to worry about sunburn, but you do need to worry about your pipes. When we see lows hitting 5°F (which is predicted for Sunday night, January 25), that’s the danger zone for residential plumbing.
- Drip those faucets. It’s an old trick because it works.
- Watch the wind. A 17 mph wind from the northwest makes that 17°F air feel like 1°F. It saps heat from your house way faster than a still day.
- Check the salt. The City of Lee's Summit generally doesn't salt residential streets if the accumulation is under two inches, as it can actually make things slicker. You’re on your own for the driveway.
Practical Next Steps for Lee's Summit Residents
Don't just trust the app on your phone and walk out the door in a light hoodie.
- Monitor the Sunday/Monday transition: We have a 20% snow chance tomorrow followed by a temperature drop. This often leads to "flash freezing" on overpasses.
- Prep for the 25th: That Sunday is currently the highest probability for actual snow showers (35%) and the coldest overnight low (5°F) in the current 10-day window.
- Stay Updated: Keep an eye on local reports from the National Weather Service in Pleasant Hill. They’re basically our neighbors and have the most granular data for Jackson County.
Winter in Missouri isn't about the constant snow; it's about the constant changes. Stay warm, keep the gas tank at least half full, and maybe grab some extra salt before the weekend rush.