Wichita, Kan. – Drivers and residents across central and southern Kansas should prepare for a stormy midweek as showers and thunderstorms move in by Wednesday morning, bringing the risk of heavy rainfall and localized flooding.
According to the National Weather Service in Wichita, storms will begin developing early Wednesday and become more widespread into Wednesday night. Some of the strongest storms may produce downpours, increasing the risk of flooding in low-lying and urban areas. Additional rounds of showers are expected Thursday, keeping conditions unsettled through the end of the workweek.
Patchy fog this morning reduced visibility in parts of central and eastern Kansas, with less than a mile at times. Conditions improved through midday, but fog could return late Thursday night into Friday morning, potentially creating slick morning commutes.
Cities most at risk for heavy rain and flooding include Wichita, El Dorado, Hutchinson, and Emporia, with southeast Kansas communities such as Parsons and Independence also expected to see storms linger into Thursday. Travel along I-35 and I-135 could be impacted during peak morning and evening commutes.
Residents are urged to avoid driving through flooded roads, keep phones and devices charged in case of power outages, and monitor local alerts as additional watches or warnings may be issued midweek.
Showers taper by late Thursday night, though storm chances could return over the weekend.
Five Day Forecast for Wichita, Kansas:
- Tuesday: Patchy fog early, then mostly sunny. High near 79.
- Wednesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, heavy rain possible. High near 70.
- Thursday: Chance of thunderstorms, mostly cloudy. High near 73.
- Friday: Mostly cloudy, patchy morning fog. High near 74.
- Saturday: Partly sunny with patchy fog late. High near 78.
