Kansas City is feeling the full impact of a severe Arctic cold front that has gripped much of the Midwest. As of Friday, February 21, 2025, the city woke up to clear skies but a bitterly cold temperature of just 2°F (-17°C). This sharp drop in temperatures has been caused by an Arctic vortex, sending dangerously cold air into the region, and leaving residents unprepared for such severe cold.
What Does the Forecast Hold for Kansas City?
- Friday, February 21: Expect a sunny but cold day, with highs reaching just 23°F (-5°C) and a low of 12°F (-11°C) at night. It will be windy, so the cold will feel even more intense due to the wind chill.
- Saturday, February 22: The cold will persist but with more sunshine. The high will rise to 37°F (3°C) with a low of 25°F (-4°C) overnight.
- Sunday, February 23: A milder day with more sunshine, and temperatures reaching 51°F (10°C). The low will be around 34°F (1°C), making it feel much more comfortable compared to the previous days.
- Monday, February 24: Warmer temperatures will return with clouds to start the day, followed by some sunshine, bringing highs of 64°F (18°C) and a low of 39°F (4°C) at night.
- Tuesday, February 25: Expect mostly sunny skies with temperatures around 65°F (18°C) during the day and a low of 40°F (5°C) at night.
- Wednesday, February 26: Clouds will increase, bringing some morning showers and cooler temperatures. Highs will be around 57°F (14°C) with a low of 35°F (2°C).
- Thursday, February 27: A cloudy start will bring showers later in the day. The high will reach 48°F (9°C), and the low will dip to 28°F (-2°C).
Why Is Kansas City So Cold Right Now?
This unusual cold snap is being driven by a polar vortex, a mass of cold, dense air from the Arctic region that’s currently sweeping across the United States. When the jet stream shifts southward, it allows the polar vortex to move into areas that are typically not subject to such extreme cold.
In Kansas City, temperatures are plummeting well below normal, with the coldest mornings being felt in the single digits. The wind chill is making it feel even colder, with dangerous wind chills in the minus-20s in some areas.
This extreme cold isn’t just affecting Kansas City. It’s part of a widespread cold outbreak that is hitting many cities in the Midwest, with areas like Chicago, Omaha, and Minneapolis facing similar freezing conditions. Wind chills in these cities are so low that they are reaching life-threatening levels.
How to Stay Safe During This Intense Cold
- Stay indoors if possible – Avoid going outside unless absolutely necessary. Limit outdoor activities to reduce your risk of frostbite and hypothermia.
- Dress in layers – Wear thermal clothing, heavy jackets, scarves, gloves, and hats to protect against the cold. Cover exposed skin to prevent frostbite.
- Be cautious on the roads – Icy patches are possible, particularly on bridges and overpasses. If you have to travel, drive slowly and avoid sudden movements.
- Check on neighbors – Elderly individuals and those without proper heating are at higher risk. Make sure they are safe and warm.
- Protect your home – Keep faucets dripping to prevent pipes from freezing, and ensure your heating system is functioning properly.
When Will the Cold End?
The good news is that this cold snap is expected to ease by the weekend. Saturday will bring some relief with temperatures slightly rising, and by Sunday, the city will experience a significant warm-up. By Monday and Tuesday, temperatures will climb into the 60s, making the extreme cold feel like a distant memory.
While Kansas City can expect some warmth next week, it’s important to be prepared for the next round of winter weather as the cold fronts tend to shift quickly in February.
