We are in an active weather pattern, and there is a chance for all precipitation types: rain, freezing rain, sleet, and snow. Meteorologist Jeff Penner shares five things you should know for this week.
1. Will the roads be icy for the rush hour Tuesday morning?
The colder air has come in a bit stronger, and we will have periods of rain overnight. It looks like temperatures will be around or just above freezing through 6 a.m., so wet roads are expected.
There will likely be icy areas just northwest of Kansas City. After 6 a.m., the below-freezing air will start heading south as the rain continues. So, KC will have a window to see slick spots between 6 a.m. and noon especially on decks, bridges, and overpasses. We have to watch this closely.
2. Will it be icy on my way home Tuesday afternoon and evening?
The rain and freezing ends around noon as temperatures warm to around 32° Tuesday afternoon. So, we should see any ice melt in the afternoon.
Now, we will have to watch for re-freezing of any leftover water after 4 to 5 p.m. So, it does not look really icy for the Tuesday evening rush hour, but there could be a few slick spots.
3. How much rainfall can we expect through Tuesday?
At this time we are forecasting .10" to .50" in KC, a trace to .25" to the northwest, and .25" to 1.25" to the southeast. Two inches to 3" of rain is possible along I-44.
We need the moisture, no matter what form it comes in. We are about 5.50" of rain below average since October 22 with a drought trying to approach from the southwest.
4. If we avoid ice with this system, are we in the clear for the week?
No. It is an active pattern the next seven days with other systems timed for Thursday, Thursday night-Friday, and Saturday. All forms of precipitation are possible, which means rain, freezing rain, sleet, and snow.
5. When is the best chance for slick roads this week?
We need to watch the situation for Thursday as lows will be 25-30 degrees, and the second system in the series could bring a period of light freezing rain and sleet.
If it arrives during the morning, it will not take much to make conditions slick. It is a small system, so there is no guarantee it tracks near KC. But, even a trace to .01" could cause problems.
It looks like temperatures will be just above freezing Thursday night and Friday for the third system, so rain is the most likely scenario.
The fourth system for Saturday could bring a rain changing to snow event, making roads possibly slick Saturday night. This is not set in stone, so stay with 41 Action News and we'll keep you advised.
