US weather update: Severe thunderstorm issued for several areas in Kansas City; Details here
Kansas City metro area is under a severe thunderstorm watch issued by the National Weather Service, lasting from 5 a.m. until noon on Monday. The watch includes parts of Kansas, Missouri, and Iowa.
Between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m., storms are expected to hit the metro area, bringing strong winds of up to 60 mph and quarter-sized hail. Additionally, moderate to heavy rainfall is anticipated.
A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for several counties in Kansas, including Atchison, Doniphan, Johnson, Leavenworth, Miami, and Wyandotte. In Missouri, the watch covers 22 counties, including Cass, Clay, Jackson, Johnson, Lafayette, Platte, and Ray. The complete list of affected counties can be found online.
The National Weather Service in Kansas City warns of potential quarter-sized hail, scattered wind gusts reaching up to 70 mph, moderate-to-heavy rain, and frequent lightning in the region. Drivers are advised to be cautious during heavy rain by slowing down, turning on their headlights and wipers. Meteorologists warn that driving at high speeds in heavy rain can increase the risk of hydroplaning.
It is to note that the US, similar to Europe, has been facing extreme heat recently, and temperatures are expected to stay well above normal in some areas in the upcoming days. Death Valley in California, where the global record for maximum temperature is contested, surpassed 50°C (122°F) on multiple occasions, leading to the unfortunate death of at least one hiker. Phoenix in Arizona broke its own record for consecutive days above 43.3°C, experiencing 19 days above this threshold.
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