Tracking Tuesday afternoon heavy rain & flooding concerns

Multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms are expected across northwest Missouri and northeast Kansas beginning Tuesday and continuing into Wednesday morning, bringing the potential for heavy rainfall and localized flooding.

The National Weather Service has a Flood Watch in effect from 1 p.m. Tuesday through 1 p.m. Wednesday for much of the region, including the Kansas City metro.

The biggest concern will be heavy downpours that could repeatedly move over the same locations. Rainfall totals of 2 to 3 inches are possible across parts of northwest Missouri, with locally higher amounts possible. Some forecast guidance also indicates a chance for isolated areas to receive more than 3 inches of rain.

Heavy rainfall could lead to flash flooding, especially in low-lying and poor-drainage areas. Creeks and streams are also expected to rise as runoff increases, potentially creating additional flooding concerns.

While an isolated strong or severe storm cannot be ruled out Tuesday evening, the primary threat will be heavy rainfall and flooding. A few storms could produce strong wind gusts, hail or a brief tornado, but the overall severe weather threat remains low.

Rain and cloud cover will keep temperatures relatively cool across northwest Missouri and northeast Kansas, with highs generally in the 70s and 80s. Farther south, temperatures will be much warmer, with parts of central Missouri reaching the upper 90s and heat index values potentially approaching 100 to 105 degrees.

Rain will continue to linger into Wednesday morning before conditions gradually improve.