Kansas — Mild air still lingers this morning, but its grip loosens fast. Tree branches sway harder by Sunday, and colder air pours south as the holiday calm gives way to a winter reset.
Unseasonably warm December weather is expected to end Sunday, when a strong cold front sweeps through Kansas. According to the National Weather Service in Wichita, gusty north winds develop behind the front, pushing highs down into the 35 to 50 degree range Sunday, with the coldest air settling in Sunday night. Wind chills dip into the teens, especially across central and southeast Kansas by early Monday.
The transition may not be quiet. Southern and southeast Kansas could see scattered showers or a few storms late Saturday night into early Sunday, just ahead of the front. Rain chances remain limited, but wet pavement combined with increasing winds could affect early travel.
By Sunday afternoon, conditions turn brisk statewide. Wichita, Hutchinson, Salina, and Great Bend fall sharply from recent warmth, with winds making it feel colder than the thermometer suggests. Drivers should prepare for crosswinds on I-35, I-135, and Highway 54, especially for high-profile vehicles.
Monday brings the coldest start. Morning lows drop into the mid to upper teens, with afternoon highs only near 30 to mid-30s. Bundle up for commutes, outdoor work, or post-Christmas errands. Protect pets, plants, and exposed pipes.
Temperatures recover slowly midweek. Highs rebound into the 40s and low 50s by Tuesday and Wednesday, with lighter winds and quieter weather expected. That brief moderation helps, but winter patterns look re-established heading into the final days of December.
Travel and safety tips:
Plan extra time Sunday. Dress in layers. Secure loose items before winds increase.
More updates are expected as the front approaches. Cold air remains the dominant story into early next week.
