US weather update: Severe thunderstorm issued for several areas in Kansas City; Details here

The 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. The southwestern states will continue to endure scorching temperatures, with Phoenix reaching 46-47°C, about 5°C higher than the seasonal average.

Meanwhile, southern Europe's heatwave is gradually loosening its grip as a cold front moves through southern and eastern Europe, bringing a notable contrast in temperatures this week.

FAQs:

Q1:What is National Weather Service?
The National Weather Service (NWS) is a scientific organization under the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Its primary responsibility is to deliver weather forecasts, warnings, and various weather-related information to the American public. Established in 1870, the NWS is based in Silver Spring, Maryland.

Q2:What impacts the weather in US?
The weather in the US is influenced by several factors, such as latitude, altitude, ocean currents, prevailing winds, topography, and climate change. Latitude determines the amount of sunlight a location receives, while altitude impacts its temperature. Ocean currents can bring warm or cold weather, and prevailing winds play a role in bringing various weather conditions. Topography can also obstruct the movement of air, and climate change contributes to the overall rise in Earth's average temperature.