You’ve probably looked out the window this morning and thought, "Hey, it’s actually not that bad." The sun is out. The sky looks decent. But honestly? Don't let that morning glare fool you. If you’re heading out in Kansas City today, Wednesday, January 14, 2026, you’re looking at a classic Missouri "bait and switch" situation where the numbers on your phone don't quite tell the whole story of how it's going to feel.
Basically, we are sitting right on the edge of a shifting pattern. Right now, it’s partly cloudy and around 46°F, which sounds cozy for mid-January, but that northwest wind at 10 mph is already pulling the "feels like" temp down to 41°F. It’s the kind of morning where you start with a light jacket and regret it by the time you hit the parking lot.
What’s actually happening with today's weather in Kansas City Missouri
So, here is the deal with the daytime forecast. We are technically looking at a sunny day, but the temperature is going to be a bit of a downward slide compared to what we saw yesterday. The high temperature for today is capped at 38°F.
That’s a significant drop from the mid-40s we're feeling in the pre-dawn hours.
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The wind is the real player here. We’re expecting north winds to kick up to about 16 mph. In Kansas City, a 16 mph wind in January isn't just a breeze; it’s a bite. Even with a UV index of 2 and plenty of sunshine, that wind is going to keep things feeling significantly colder than the thermometer says.
The snow question: Should you worry?
I know everyone sees "chance of snow" and starts wondering if they need to raid the bread and milk aisle at Hy-Vee. For today, the answer is: probably not yet. We have a 15% chance of snow during the daytime. That’s basically meteorologist-speak for "you might see a stray flake or two, but it won't stick."
The humidity is sitting at 52% for the day, which isn't quite high enough to support a major dump of the white stuff. It’s more of a "dry cold" vibe for the afternoon.
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- Morning: Partly cloudy, lingering warmth from overnight.
- Afternoon: Full sun but dropping temps.
- Wind Factor: Constant north wind at 16 mph.
The overnight shift and the 19-degree reality check
Once the sun goes down, things get real. We’re looking at a low temperature of 19°F tonight. That is a massive swing from the daytime "warmth." The sky will stay clear, but that just means there’s no cloud cover to trap whatever heat the ground managed to soak up during the day.
Interestingly, the precipitation chance actually drops at night to just 5%. So, while it’s going to be freezing, it’s going to be a dry freeze. If you have sensitive plants you've been trying to keep alive or a temperamental outdoor faucet, tonight is the night to actually deal with them. 19 degrees is deep-freeze territory.
Why this matters for your commute
If you're commuting along I-70 or the 435 loop, today's weather in Kansas City Missouri is mostly about visibility and wind resistance. The sun will be bright, so the glare off the road might be a bigger issue than ice. However, those 16 mph gusts can catch high-profile vehicles off guard.
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Honestly, the biggest mistake people make on days like today is under-dressing because it looks "pretty" outside. Layers are your best friend. You'll want something windproof because that north wind is coming straight down from the plains with nothing to stop it.
Actionable steps for Kansas City residents today
Don't let the "sunny" label trick you into a cold.
- Check your tires: Drastic temp drops like the one we're seeing (from 46°F down to 19°F) can trigger your tire pressure light. Give them a quick check before you head home tonight.
- Pet safety: If your dogs are used to being outside, remember that 19°F is a different beast than 40°F. Bring them in early.
- Wind protection: If you're walking a few blocks from a parking garage to the office, a scarf isn't just a fashion choice today—it’s a necessity to block that 16 mph wind.
- Hydrate: Winter air in KC is notoriously dry (52% humidity), and it can sneak up on you just as fast as summer heat.