Weather
South-Central Kansas Weather Alert: Wichita Rain, Storm Risk Oct 26-29
Wichita, KS – A stretch of warm, mostly dry weather will give way to increasing rain…
By Owen Prescott · 2026-10-23T10:57:58.043Z
Wichita, KS – A stretch of warm, mostly dry weather will give way to increasing rain chances across Wichita beginning Monday, October 26, as temperatures gradually retreat from the upper 70s. The approaching change could bring scattered showers during the Monday morning hours, followed by additional precipitation chances through the middle of next week. By Wednesday night, the National Weather Service indicates a 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms, introducing the possibility of unsettled conditions after several relatively quiet autumn days.
According to the National Weather Service in Wichita, Monday carries a 30% chance of showers, mainly before 1 p.m., with mostly cloudy skies and an afternoon high near 71 degrees. The rain probability decreases to 20% Monday night and Tuesday before increasing again Wednesday night. While thunderstorms are mentioned in the extended forecast, the supplied information does not identify a severe thunderstorm warning or specify a damaging wind, hail or tornado threat for Wichita.
Rain Chances Return After Warm Weekend Friday and Saturday will offer favorable conditions for outdoor activities, with afternoon temperatures reaching approximately 77 degrees both days. Mostly sunny skies are expected, although south and southeast winds will occasionally become noticeable. Friday could bring gusts as high as 24 mph, while Saturday's gusts may reach approximately 18 mph.
The warmer pattern continues Sunday, when temperatures are expected to reach around 76 degrees under mostly cloudy skies. South southeast winds of 3 to 8 mph should accompany the afternoon, with nighttime temperatures remaining relatively mild near 57 degrees. The combination of increasing cloud cover and continued warmth sets the stage for a change in weather heading into Monday.
Monday marks the first meaningful shift, with temperatures falling to approximately 71 degrees and a 30% chance of showers developing mainly before early afternoon. Although widespread heavy rainfall is not indicated, passing showers could create wet pavement during portions of the morning commute.
Cooler Temperatures and Travel Considerations Drivers using Interstate 35, Interstate 135, U.S. Highway 54 and other major Wichita area roads may encounter periods of damp pavement if showers develop Monday. The forecast does not indicate road closures or significant flooding, but changing visibility and roadway conditions could affect routine travel during precipitation.
The temperature trend also becomes more noticeable as the workweek progresses. After weekend highs near 77 degrees, Wichita is expected to reach only 69 degrees Tuesday, an eight degree decline spread across several days rather than a sudden temperature collapse.
Tuesday remains mostly cloudy with a 20% chance of showers before 1 p.m. Conditions should become partly cloudy Tuesday night as temperatures fall to approximately 54 degrees, providing a temporary break from the unsettled daytime pattern.
Thunderstorm Chances Develop Wednesday Night Wednesday brings a slight improvement, with mostly sunny skies and temperatures reaching approximately 73 degrees. However, a 20% chance of showers remains in the forecast, suggesting that completely dry conditions are not guaranteed.
The more notable development arrives Wednesday night, October 28, when the National Weather Service projects a 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Temperatures are expected to fall to around 56 degrees under partly cloudy skies, with additional shower chances extending into Thursday.
Thursday, October 29, carries a 30% chance of showers and an afternoon high near 70 degrees. The available forecast does not provide rainfall accumulation estimates or establish that thunderstorms will become severe.
Residents planning outdoor events, evening travel or midweek activities should monitor updated forecasts as the timing and coverage of showers become clearer.
Will the return of rain and possible Wednesday night thunderstorms affect your plans around Wichita?
Five Day Weather Outlook Friday 10/23: Mostly sunny skies bring an afternoon high near 77 degrees, with south southeast winds of 6 to 14 mph and gusts up to 24 mph, followed by partly cloudy conditions and a low near 58 degrees.
Saturday 10/24: Mostly sunny conditions continue with temperatures reaching approximately 77 degrees and south winds of 7 to 10 mph, gusting up to 18 mph, before mostly cloudy skies develop Saturday night with a low around 56 degrees.
Sunday 10/25: Mostly cloudy skies accompany another warm afternoon with temperatures near 76 degrees and south southeast winds of 3 to 8 mph, followed by mostly cloudy conditions Sunday night as temperatures fall to approximately 57 degrees.
Monday 10/26: A 30% chance of showers, mainly before 1 p.m., brings mostly cloudy skies and a high near 71 degrees, while a 20% chance of showers develops after 1 a.m. Monday night with a low around 55 degrees.
Tuesday 10/27: Mostly cloudy conditions continue with a 20% chance of showers before 1 p.m. and an afternoon high near 69 degrees, followed by partly cloudy skies Tuesday night as temperatures fall to approximately 54 degrees.
Extended Weather Outlook Wednesday, October 28, is expected to bring mostly sunny skies and an afternoon high near 73 degrees, with a 20% chance of showers during the day.
Wednesday night introduces a 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms, with partly cloudy skies and a low near 56 degrees. The forecast does not specify thunderstorm intensity or rainfall totals.
Thursday, October 29, remains partly sunny with a 30% chance of showers and temperatures reaching approximately 70 degrees.
The supplied National Weather Service forecast ends Thursday, October 29. Conditions for October 30 through November 1 cannot be confirmed from the available information.