Dodge City, Kansas – A winter system moving across southwest Kansas is expected to bring widespread precipitation to the region, starting as rain Thursday before changing over to snow by Friday, raising concerns for travel impacts to end the week.
According to the National Weather Service in Dodge City, there is a greater than 90 percent chance that most locations across southwest Kansas will see measurable precipitation from Thursday into Friday. On Thursday, temperatures will be warm enough for nearly all of that precipitation to fall as rain, with steady showers developing through the day and into the evening.
Cities including Dodge City, Garden City, Liberal, Pratt, and Ness City can expect wet road conditions Thursday, especially along U.S. Highway 50, U.S. 83, and U.S. 54. While flooding is not expected, ponding on roads and reduced visibility could slow travel at times.
Colder air arrives Friday, allowing precipitation to change to snow across the entire region. Forecast guidance shows a 60 to 80 percent chance of measurable snowfall Friday, with impacts depending on how quickly temperatures fall during the day. Even modest snowfall could lead to slick roads, particularly during the morning and afternoon hours.
Residents are encouraged to monitor updated forecasts, plan for changing travel conditions, and be prepared for winter driving by Friday. Additional updates and possible advisories may be issued as confidence increases in snowfall amounts and timing.
