Weather
Kansas Thanksgiving Weather: Wichita Storm Risk Nov. 18–24
Wichita, KS – Thanksgiving travelers across Kansas could face a significant shift toward wetter weather as precipitation probabilities climb heading into November 18–24, raising concerns about develop
By Nolan Pierce · 2026-11-11T05:32:08.384Z
Wichita, KS – Thanksgiving travelers across Kansas could face a significant shift toward wetter weather as precipitation probabilities climb heading into November 18–24, raising concerns about developing storms, heavy rain, snow, freezing rain and potentially icy highways during the busy holiday travel period.
According to NOAA's Climate Prediction Center, its November 10 outlook favors above normal precipitation across Kansas and much of the central Plains from Wednesday, November 18, through Tuesday, November 24.
Kansas stands out in the national outlook, with portions of the state reaching the 70–80% probability category for above normal precipitation. That places parts of Kansas among the strongest wet signals in the country during the period.
Wichita, Hutchinson and South Central Kansas Wichita, Derby, Newton, Hutchinson and surrounding communities are positioned near the heart of the elevated precipitation outlook.
Travelers along Interstate 35, Interstate 135 and U.S. Highway 54 should monitor forecasts for developing storms, periods of heavier rain and possible winter precipitation if colder air arrives.
Topeka, Lawrence and Northeastern Kansas Topeka, Lawrence, Manhattan, Junction City and surrounding communities could experience unsettled conditions as the wetter pattern develops.
Interstate 70 and Interstate 335 will be important travel corridors to monitor, particularly if rain transitions to snow or freezing precipitation during colder periods.
Kansas City Metro and Eastern Kansas Kansas City, KS, Overland Park, Olathe, Lenexa and Shawnee could also see periods of increased precipitation during the preholiday travel window.
Rain and thunderstorms are potential concerns, while snow or freezing rain would require sufficiently cold temperatures.
Salina, Hays and Western Kansas Salina, Hays, Dodge City, Garden City and Colby could experience changing weather conditions depending on storm tracks and temperatures.
Western and northwestern Kansas may be more susceptible to winter precipitation if colder air overlaps with developing storm systems.
Thanksgiving Travel: Could Winter Storms Develop? The strong precipitation signal arrives ahead of Thanksgiving on Thursday, November 26, bringing additional attention to possible holiday travel disruptions across Kansas.
Snow, sleet and freezing rain remain possible if colder air interacts with the developing wet pattern, although NOAA's accompanying temperature outlook favors above normal temperatures across much of the central Plains.
The 70–80% probability category represents the likelihood of above normal precipitation during the eight to 14 day period, not a 70–80% chance of snow or an ice storm.
With November 18–24 extending into the beginning of Thanksgiving week, Kansas travelers should monitor upcoming forecasts for storm timing, rainfall amounts, precipitation type and potential highway impacts.