Weather
Kansas Winter 2026-27: Wichita, 16.31-Inch Snow History
KANSAS – Wichita, Overland Park, Topeka and Lawrence are approaching winter 2026 27 with a reminder that Kansas historically averages 16.31 inches of annual snowfall across its weather stations. Altho
By Jenna Hartley · 2026-10-20T10:15:54.481Z
KANSAS – Wichita, Overland Park, Topeka and Lawrence are approaching winter 2026 27 with a reminder that Kansas historically averages 16.31 inches of annual snowfall across its weather stations. Although El Niño can influence seasonal weather patterns, it does not eliminate snowstorms, dangerous cold or highway disruptions, including winter weather that can continue through March.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration NOAA , its October 15, 2026, outlook for December through February favors above normal temperatures across Kansas, generally with probabilities between 33% and 50%. Precipitation probabilities favor above normal totals across western and central Kansas, while eastern areas show less decisive signals. The seasonal outlook does not predict snowfall totals or individual storms.
What Kansas' Snowfall History Actually Shows Kansas' 16.31 inch historical snowfall figure represents an average across weather stations statewide, not the snowfall normal for Wichita, Topeka or another individual city.
Snowfall varies geographically, with western communities such as Goodland and Colby experiencing different winter conditions than Wichita and the Kansas City metropolitan area.
NOAA historical maps examining El Niño winters from 1950 through 2009 show areas of increased snowfall across portions of the central and southern Plains, including parts of Kansas.
However, those maps do not establish a directly comparable statewide El Niño snowfall average.
Below average snowfall still can include disruptive winter storms.
Why El Niño Doesn't Guarantee an Easy Winter El Niño influences the Pacific jet stream, potentially directing additional storm systems across the southern United States.
For Kansas, that can mean changing precipitation patterns as moisture encounters cold air moving south from Canada.
Freezing rain, sleet and heavy snow remain possible, particularly when temperatures fluctuate near freezing.
Strong Plains winds can also produce blowing snow and dangerous visibility reductions.
A warmer than normal winter overall can still include severe cold outbreaks.
What This Means Through March Motorists traveling Interstate 70 through Topeka, Salina and Hays, Interstate 35 near Wichita and Interstate 135 through central Kansas should remain prepared for icy roads and sudden winter travel disruptions.
Western Kansas highways face additional blowing snow hazards during strong winds.
NOAA's December–February outlook does not include March 2027, when late season snowstorms remain possible.
El Niño changes Kansas' seasonal weather probabilities, but it does not guarantee a snow free or disruption free winter.