Wichita, Kansas – Temperatures will fall nearly 40 degrees in less than 24 hours, setting up a potential wintry mix that could slick I-135 and US-54 by late Sunday night. Anyone traveling across central and south-central Kansas should prepare now for rapidly changing road conditions heading into the start of the workweek.
According to the National Weather Service in Wichita, mild weather will hold through Saturday with highs climbing into the 70s across much of the region. A few thunderstorms are possible late Saturday night into early Sunday. Behind a strong cold front, much colder air will surge into Kansas by Sunday afternoon, dropping overnight lows into the 20s and 30s.
That sharp cooldown raises the risk for a light wintry mix developing late Saturday night through Monday morning, especially where lingering moisture overlaps freezing temperatures. In Wichita, Hutchinson and El Dorado, bridges along I-135, K-96 and US-77 would be the first to ice over if precipitation continues as temperatures dip below freezing. Farther north near Salina along I-70, pavement temperatures could fall quickly after sunset Sunday.
Drivers should monitor updated statements, check tire tread and allow extra travel time Sunday night into Monday morning. Even minor ice accumulation can create hazardous travel when temperatures fall this quickly.
Forecast details remain uncertain, particularly regarding precipitation type and amounts. Additional advisories or winter weather headlines may be issued as confidence increases heading into late Sunday and early Monday.
