Weather
Kansas Weather Alert: 70 MPH Storms, Frost Risk Oct. 13-17
Wichita, KS – Kansas residents face a dramatic weather shift beginning Tuesday, Oct. 13, as potentially severe thunderstorms threaten parts of the state with damaging winds, large hail and heavy rainf
By Sophie Caldwell · 2026-10-13T10:31:52.712Z
Wichita, KS – Kansas residents face a dramatic weather shift beginning Tuesday, Oct. 13, as potentially severe thunderstorms threaten parts of the state with damaging winds, large hail and heavy rainfall before a strong cold front brings much colder temperatures and a possible frost risk heading into Saturday.
According to the National Weather Service in Wichita, scattered to numerous thunderstorms are expected to develop Tuesday afternoon and continue overnight, with severe weather possible after 3 p.m. across central, south central and southeast Kansas.
Severe Storms Could Produce 70 MPH Winds
Forecasters warn that stronger storms could produce wind gusts of 60 to 70 mph, ping pong ball sized hail and heavy rainfall capable of causing localized flooding.
Communities including Wichita, Hutchinson, Salina, Emporia and Chanute are within the broader storm outlook area, although severe weather risks vary by location.
Drivers should avoid flooded roadways and seek shelter indoors when thunderstorms approach.
Temperatures Could Drop More Than 20 Degrees
Tuesday's temperatures could reach 92 degrees in Wichita, 94 in Emporia and 93 in Coffeyville.
By Wednesday, Oct. 14, Wichita's forecast high drops to 71 degrees, while Emporia falls to 68 and Salina reaches only 64.
Showers and thunderstorms are expected to continue off and on through Thursday morning, Oct. 15, with periods of heavy rainfall possible.
Frost Possible Early Saturday
Much cooler conditions arrive Friday, Oct. 16, with regional highs ranging from 57 to 60 degrees.
Overnight temperatures heading into Saturday, Oct. 17, could fall into the middle 30s to around 40 degrees, creating the potential for frost in colder locations.
Residents with sensitive outdoor plants should monitor updated forecasts as the weekend approaches.
Saturday afternoon temperatures are expected to recover into the upper 50s and lower 60s before warmer conditions return Sunday and Monday.
The National Weather Service encourages residents to stay weather aware as severe storms and rapidly changing temperatures affect the region throughout the week.