Wichita, Kansas – Kansas residents eyeing Memorial Day plans may want to brace for multiple rounds of severe weather starting Saturday afternoon, with the greatest threat arriving Saturday night as large hail, strong winds, and heavy rainfall push across the state.
According to the National Weather Service in Wichita, active thunderstorms will develop late Saturday and intensify overnight. The strongest storms could deliver quarter- to golf ball-sized hail, damaging wind gusts over 40 mph, and locally heavy rain. Flood-prone areas, especially along I-135 and near rivers in Sedgwick, Cowley, and Butler counties, could experience flash flooding through Monday.
Storm chances will persist into Sunday and Monday, with the risk of continued strong storms and disruptive rainfall during daytime hours—just as many hit the roads or gather outdoors for Memorial Day events. Residents should secure outdoor items, charge electronics, and review emergency shelter options ahead of the weekend.
Sunday will bring scattered showers and storms, with winds up to 23 mph. On Memorial Day, storms are again likely before and after 1 p.m. with a high near 66°F—cooler than average for late May.
Extended Forecast:
- Tuesday: Mostly cloudy, high near 69°F
- Wednesday: 20% chance of showers, high near 71°F
- Thursday: 30% chance of showers, high near 72°F
Expect updates and possible new alerts as this active summer weather pattern continues. Stay weather-aware and monitor official sources throughout the weekend.
