Weather Wise

In a process called subsidence, the air within an upper-level ridge sinks, compressing and warming as it does so. As pressure builds, temperatures rise, just like a pressure cooker.

While entire regions of the country are dealing with the summer sizzle, cities tend to feel it a bit more, due to the urban heat island effect.

Thunderstorms may not be considered living things, yet they do have a life cycle of sorts, marked by three main stages.

Climatology tells us the average high in St. Joseph on July 4th is around 88 degrees, while the average low is in the upper 60s. History tells us that some July 4ths have also brought impactful severe weather to Northwest Missouri and Northeast Kansas.

Summer lovers may be annoyed by the string of 70s and low 80s that have been around for the second half of June.

Late spring and early summer is typically the wettest time of year in Northwest Missouri and Northeast Kansas and this season is no exception, keeping the water cycle running strong.

Powerful June storms slam parts of the heartland this week

From January 1 to April 22 of 2026, the National Weather Service Kansas City / Pleasant Hill Office issued a combined 168 severe thunderstorm and or tornado warnings across their forecast area, which covers 37 Missouri counties and 7 Kansas counties. By this metric, 2026 has been the second busiest severe weather season on record to date for the Kansas City weather forecast office, rivaled only by 2006 when 179 severe thunderstorm / tornado warnings were tallied by April 22.

Climatologically, the last subfreezing spell of the season takes place between April 15th and April 30th across Northwest Missouri and Northeast Kansas. This range of dates is based on 30 year averages, and can vary widely from year to year.