Plus, shop Made in KC's "Maker of the Year."
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Today’s Forecast

55º | 1% chance of precipitation

Sunrise 7:31 a.m. | Sunset 4:57 p.m.


The history of snow in Kansas City

kc winter weather photo
Winter is coming, weather you like it or not. | Photo via Jim Rand
Raise your hand if you remember the Groundhog Day Blizzard of 2011.

ICYMI (or were just a wee snowflake at the time), here’s what happened: On February 1 of that year, a record-breaking snowstorm swept through Kansas City to Chicago overnight, bringing on blizzard-level wind speeds and ~one foot of fresh powder.

While the day did bring its fair share of aggravation like grounded planes at KCI and the first ever state-wide closure of I-70, we’re pretty sure residents across the metro also celebrated with snowman-making and hot chocolate-sipping (that’s what we would have done.)

Here are some more snowtable facts about Kansas City’s relationship to snow.

❄️ Other heavy snowfalls in Kansas City

  • 24.2 inches, March 1912
  • 15.8 inches, February 1894
  • 14.0 inches, January 1962
  • 11.1 inches, February 1993
  • 10.5 inches, December 1978
Earliest + latest snowfalls

Events

Monday, Dec. 16

Holiday Lights on Farmstead Lane | Monday, Dec. 16-Tuesday, Dec. 31 | Times vary | Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead, Overland Park | Free | Bring some hot cocoa and tune in to 90.5 Rose FM to hear your favorite holiday songs as you watch the spectacular show from the warmth of your car.

Tuesday, Dec. 17

Drake vs. Kansas State | 7 p.m. | T-Mobile Center | $20+ | Find your seat for the 2024 Wildcat Classic as K-State and Drake face off in their first match-up since 2020.

In My Jazz Era: Holiday Pops | 7-8 p.m. | Tom’s Town Distilling Co. | $29+ | Fill your evening with the holiday spirit (and holiday spirits) at the Tinsel Town pop-up to hear your favorite seasonal tunes performed by the Kansas City Jazz Orchestra.

Wednesday, Dec. 18

Glenmorangie Scotch Tasting | 7-10 p.m. | 2101 Central St. | $50 | Taste through seven Glenmorangie, Highland Single Malt Scotches — both rare and brand new — led by one of only five people in the world to be certified as a Master of Scotch.

Thursday, Dec. 19

Speed Dinking | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | SERV, Overland Park | $25 | Enjoy quick games and friendly competition to find your perfect match... on the pickleball court that is.

Friday, Dec. 20

Winter Candle Workshop | 7-9 p.m. | Creative Culture Westport | $45 | Pick your perfect vessel and choose your favorite holiday scent to make your own custom poured candle — plus, fuel your crafting with a stop at the milkshake bar.
More events this way
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Try This

Meet your new favorite hangout spot, Kansas City

Presented by AdventHealth Sports Park at Bluhawk
a gif featuring snapshots from Hawk's Outpost
Step into 40,000 sqft of fun. | Photos courtesy of AdventHealth Sports Park at Bluhawk
Looking for a spot to unwind and have fun? Meet Hawk’s Outpost. Located within AdventHealth Sports Park at Bluhawk, it’s the ultimate entertainment hub right in our backyard.

The casual atmosphere and friendly service make it the perfect spot to relax and socialize. From bowling, laser tag, and esports to unique thrills like a roll glider and sports simulators, there’s no shortage of fun.

When it’s time to refuel, enjoy delicious dishes crafted by their in-house culinary team, paired with a cold beer, wine, or your favorite cocktail. The laid-back atmosphere and friendly service make it the go-to spot for food, drinks, and fun.
Discover more fun

News Notes

Award

And the “Maker of the Year” goes to... Craft E. Embroidery, best known for locally-themed embroidered crewnecks sold at Made in KC. The new award was created by the local marketplace to honor its standout products and artists. Shop the full list of award winners.
Between wrapping up the “Eras Tour” and celebrating her 35th birthday, Taylor Swift made time to spread cheer at Kansas City’s Children’s Mercy Hospital. The popstar visited with inpatient children and staff last week, gifting signed memorabilia and snapping plenty of pics. (Kansas City Star)

Holiday

Shake your winter blues with a festive drive through the metro’s best neighborhood light displays. This Kansas City Mom Collective guide breaks down 10 metro areas — from south Olathe to Northland east — complete with Google Maps of recommended stops. Thanks, mom.

Ranked

Valentine’s Day will be here before you know it, and we have the perfect recommendation. With dishes like pan-seared foie gras and tarte tatin, Prairie Village’s Café Provence has earned a spot on OpenTable’s list of the country’s top 100 most romantic restaurants. Reserve your special night out now.

Watch

Remember that wolf-costumed, bank-robbing Chiefs fan? It may sound like a Mad-Lib, but it’s no tall tail. You can watch the trailer for Amazon Prime’s tell-all documentary, “ChiefsAholic: A Wolf in Chief’s Clothing,” before it premieres on Tuesday, Dec. 24.

Announced

The beans are Bolivian, but the roast is all KC. Home baristas can now buy Parisi’s single-origin Organic Bolivia coffee exclusively at metro area Costcos — just in time for a warm cup with friends + family over the holidays.

Feel Good

Caffeine and community engagement. Those are the things that fuel our days here at KCtoday. Donate now to support your KCtoday team so we can continue to bring you this free, daily newsletter chock-full of local need-to-knows, upcoming events, city news, and more.

Shop

These best-selling men’s flannel pajama pants are comfortable, warm, and soft to the touch. Hello, new favorite pants of the season.*

The Buy

A pair of high waisted joggers. They’re constructed with ultra-soft modal fabric, making them perfect for casual hangouts with friends + family over the holidays.
More Amazon fashion finds

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:

Madison-McMillen.png
While I certainly remember the Groundhog Day Blizzard, the Central Plains Ice Storm of 2002 — one of the most devasting in our city’s history — is a little fuzzier. Up to two inches of ice blanketed the metro, damaging 500,000+ trees, ravaging above-ground power lines, and causing significant property damage. If you can remember it, I’m sure it was hard to forget.

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