Dodge City, Kansas – A brief warmup is expected across southwest Kansas on Wednesday, bringing the warmest temperatures of the work week before colder air returns later in the week.
According to the National Weather Service in Dodge City, afternoon highs on Wednesday are forecast to reach into the 40s and 50s across much of the region. Cities including Dodge City, Garden City, Liberal, and Ashland are expected to see their highest temperatures of the week, with some locations approaching the lower 50s during the afternoon hours.
The warmest conditions are forecast along major travel corridors such as U.S. Highway 50, U.S. Highway 83, U.S. Highway 54, and U.S. Highway 400. While no hazardous weather is expected with the warmup, the sudden temperature increase may lead to rapid snowmelt, resulting in wet roads, slushy conditions, and standing water in low-lying areas.
The National Weather Service noted that Wednesday’s warmth will be short-lived. Cooler air is expected to return by Thursday and Friday, with daytime highs falling back into the 30s and 40s across southwest Kansas. Overnight temperatures later in the week are also expected to drop below freezing, which could lead to refreezing of melted snow and water on roadways.
Motorists are encouraged to remain alert for changing road conditions, especially during the early morning and nighttime hours later this week when refreezing may occur. Farmers, ranchers, and outdoor workers may also want to take advantage of the brief warm period before colder conditions resume.
Forecasters emphasized that while Wednesday will feel noticeably milder, winter is not over, and temperature swings are typical for this time of year in the High Plains.
Residents are advised to continue monitoring local forecasts as temperature trends evolve through the end of the week.
