Weather
Wichita, KS Frost Advisory Tonight: Lows Near 34° Oct. 17
WICHITA, KS – The coldest air of the season has arrived across central and southern Kansas, bringing the possibility of widespread frost and freezing temperatures late Friday night into early Saturday
By Nora Whitfield · 2026-10-16T10:08:05.584Z
WICHITA, KS – The coldest air of the season has arrived across central and southern Kansas, bringing the possibility of widespread frost and freezing temperatures late Friday night into early Saturday, October 17. Some communities could experience their first frost or freeze of the fall, putting sensitive plants and outdoor vegetation at risk.
According to the National Weather Service in Wichita, temperatures will remain below average through the weekend, with overnight lows falling near 30 degrees in some locations Saturday morning.
A Frost Advisory covers Wichita and portions of south central and southeastern Kansas, while a Freeze Watch extends across colder areas farther west and north.
Forecast temperatures include 34 degrees in Wichita, 32 in Hutchinson, 31 in Salina and Pratt, and 30 in Great Bend and Russell.
Farther west, Dodge City could fall to 29 degrees, while communities such as Emporia, Eureka and Winfield are expected to reach approximately 33 to 34 degrees.
The greatest frost and freeze potential will develop late Friday night and continue into early Saturday morning as temperatures approach their overnight minimums.
Residents with sensitive plants should take protective action before Friday evening.
Gardeners are encouraged to bring potted plants indoors or cover vulnerable vegetation to reduce potential frost damage.
The colder conditions follow the arrival of a chilly air mass that has brought temperatures well below seasonal averages.
Friday afternoon highs are forecast to reach only the middle to upper 50s across much of the region.
Saturday will remain cool, with sunny skies and afternoon highs generally reaching the upper 50s to lower 60s.
Temperatures should begin recovering Sunday before a more noticeable warming trend develops early next week.
By Tuesday, afternoon highs could reach the middle to upper 70s, with even warmer conditions possible Wednesday.
Residents should monitor updated forecasts and any changes to frost advisories or freeze watches at weather.gov/ict.