Wichita, Kan. – Central, south-central and southeast Kansas will contend with two weather hazards over the next several days as rounds of thunderstorms continue through Friday before dangerous heat returns for the weekend.
According to the National Weather Service in Wichita, showers and thunderstorms are expected Thursday morning, especially along and east of Interstate 135, with brief heavy rainfall and frequent lightning posing the primary hazards. Rain chances remain elevated into tonight and Friday, with probabilities reaching 78% in Salina, 77% in Russell, 70% near Topeka, 67% in Great Bend, 64% in Hutchinson, 61% in Wichita, Emporia and Eureka, and 54% in Chanute.
Thursday afternoon highs will range from the lower 80s to middle 90s, including 81 degrees in Topeka and Emporia, 85 in Salina and Eureka, 87 in Wichita and Russell, 88 in Hutchinson and Coffeyville, 90 in Great Bend, 93 in Harper, and 95 degrees in Pratt.
Thunderstorm chances continue into Friday before drier weather returns Saturday. High temperatures Friday will climb into the mid-80s to mid-90s, then surge to 95 to 101 degrees Saturday. As humidity increases, heat index values between 100 and 110 degrees are expected across much of central and south-central Kansas.
Residents should remain alert for lightning and localized heavy rainfall through Friday, especially if traveling during periods of heavier rain. By the weekend, the focus shifts to heat safety. Drink plenty of water, limit strenuous outdoor activity during the afternoon and take frequent breaks in air-conditioned spaces.
The National Weather Service says additional heat-related headlines may be needed this weekend as confidence grows in the return of dangerous heat.
