Weather
Southwest Kansas Weather Oct. 18–23: Dry, Windy and Warmer
Dodge City, KS – Southwest Kansas is heading into a stretch of sunny, dry and increasingly warm weather beginning Sunday, Oct. 18, with afternoon temperatures expected to climb into the lower 80s by W
By Elliot Vaughn · 2026-10-18T09:03:23.284Z
Dodge City, KS – Southwest Kansas is heading into a stretch of sunny, dry and increasingly warm weather beginning Sunday, Oct. 18, with afternoon temperatures expected to climb into the lower 80s by Wednesday. Gusty south winds will accompany the warmup, bringing breezy conditions to communities across the region.
According to the National Weather Service in Dodge City, several days of pleasant fall weather are expected through the upcoming week, with no precipitation forecast during the period.
The agency's latest outlook, issued late Saturday night, indicates a gradual warming trend that will bring afternoon temperatures into the lower 80s Wednesday through Friday, Oct. 21–23.
How warm will Kansas get Sunday?
Sunday afternoon temperatures will generally range from the middle 60s to lower 70s across southwest Kansas.
Dodge City is forecast to reach approximately 67 degrees, while Garden City and Scott City should reach 70.
Farther west, Syracuse could reach 72 degrees, with temperatures near 70 in Ulysses and 69 in Liberal.
Hays is expected to reach 68 degrees, while Great Bend could see highs near 65.
When will temperatures reach the 80s?
The National Weather Service expects temperatures to increase gradually during the first half of the week.
By Wednesday, Oct. 21, afternoon highs should reach the lower 80s in portions of southwest Kansas.
Similar warmth is expected Thursday and Friday, extending the unusually mild October pattern.
Will strong winds cause problems?
South winds are forecast to increase each afternoon, averaging 15 to 25 mph with occasional higher gusts.
The breezy conditions could be noticeable along exposed highways, agricultural areas and open terrain.
With dry weather continuing, residents should exercise caution with outdoor burning and monitor local fire restrictions.
Looking ahead: NOAA's Oct. 25–31 outlook favors above normal temperatures and precipitation across portions of Kansas, suggesting the dry pattern could eventually change as Halloween approaches.
For now, southwest Kansas can expect a sunny Sunday, gradually warmer afternoons and several days without forecast rainfall.