Weather
Western Kansas Weather Alert: Rain, Snow Possible Thanksgiving Week Nov. 22-28
Hays, KS – Residents across central and western Kansas preparing for Thanksgiving and Black Friday travel could encounter changing weather conditions November 22 28, with rain, snow and potentially fr
By Wesley Grant · 2026-11-15T00:20:30.358Z
Hays, KS – Residents across central and western Kansas preparing for Thanksgiving and Black Friday travel could encounter changing weather conditions November 22 28, with rain, snow and potentially freezing rain among the possibilities as a wetter than normal pattern is favored across much of the state.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's NOAA Climate Prediction Center, eight to 14 day outlooks issued Saturday, November 14, favor above normal precipitation across most of Kansas during Thanksgiving week.
The precipitation outlook places central and western Kansas within a broad region extending across the central Plains where wetter than average conditions are favored.
This indicates an increased likelihood of above normal precipitation totals during the seven day period, although the outlook does not establish whether precipitation will fall as rain, snow or a wintry mix.
Could Central and Western Kansas See Snow or Freezing Rain?
Despite a temperature outlook favoring generally above normal conditions across portions of the Plains, snow remains possible during late November.
Western Kansas communities, including Goodland, Colby, Garden City, Dodge City and Liberal, could experience snowfall if colder air arrives alongside precipitation.
Central Kansas communities, including Hays, Great Bend, Salina, Hutchinson and McPherson, could experience rain during milder periods, with snow or freezing rain possible if temperatures fall sufficiently.
Above normal temperatures over an entire week do not eliminate the possibility of freezing conditions or winter precipitation.
However, NOAA's extended outlook does not specifically forecast snowfall accumulations, ice totals or a winter storm.
Thanksgiving and Black Friday Travel Outlook
Thanksgiving falls Thursday, November 26, followed by Black Friday on November 27.
Drivers traveling Interstate 70, Interstate 135, U.S. Highway 50, U.S. Highway 54 and U.S. Highway 83 should monitor updated forecasts as holiday traffic increases.
Rain could create wet roads and reduced visibility, while snow or freezing rain could produce slippery conditions if colder temperatures develop.
No specific hazardous travel period has been identified.
More detailed forecasts should clarify precipitation types, storm timing and potential travel impacts as Thanksgiving approaches.
For now, central and western Kansas face a potentially wetter holiday period, with snow and icy conditions remaining possibilities worth monitoring.