KC is heating up as a warm winter becomes spring
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Illustration: Maura Losch/Axios
Ignore the recent blizzard conditions and subzero windchills — February and March in Kansas City have been surprisingly and unusually warm.
Why it matters: The above-average temps will likely continue into spring, launching Kansas City into summer-like temperatures as early as this weekend.
The latest: Expect highs in the mid-80s this Saturday, which would set a daily record.
- Time to stock up on popsicles and sunscreen.
Catch up quick: Several KC metro counties had some of their warmest winters historically, with average December–February temperatures around 36°F.
Zoom in: In February, Kansas City experienced warmer-than-average temperatures by 9.2°F, with roughly four fewer days below freezing and 6 fewer inches of snow, according to data from the Weather Prediction Center.
- March temperatures have been 5°F warmer than average as of Monday.
Between the lines: "A warmer winter does allow plants to get a head start on pollen production. This essentially can 'fast forward' the season, which supports a longer and often more intense allergy season," Sara Tonks, meteorologist for The Weather Channel, tells Axios.
- Tree pollen was high earlier this month, although it's lower now after the recent freeze.
💭 Travis' thought bubble: In my excitement for spring, I always take pictures of the brilliant white Bradford pear tree blossoms around town. Looking back in my camera roll, this year's blooms came about two weeks earlier than last year's.
Zoom out: KC is among the Central and Western states with above-average temperatures, while Northern and Eastern states have experienced intense snow and cold.
The bottom line: Phil the groundhog may have seen his shadow in Pennsylvania, but had he popped up in KC, he would have signaled an early spring.