Topeka, Kansas – Residents across eastern Kansas could see renewed winter travel disruptions as a late-January weather pattern increases the likelihood of accumulating snow across the region.
According to the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center, eastern Kansas is included in a slight risk for heavy snow from Saturday through the following Friday, signaling a higher chance for one or more organized winter systems tracking through the central Plains. Colder air is expected to remain in place, increasing confidence that precipitation falls mainly as snow rather than rain.
In northeast Kansas, including Topeka and Shawnee County, temperatures trending below normal support snow with passing systems. That could lead to slick conditions along Interstate 70, U.S. 75, and Kansas Highway 4, particularly during overnight and early morning travel periods.
Farther east, including Lawrence and Douglas County, snow may arrive in multiple rounds, raising the potential for cumulative impacts on local roads and the Kansas Turnpike. In north-central areas such as Manhattan and Riley County, open terrain could allow gusty winds to combine with snowfall, reducing visibility on U.S. 24 and surrounding highways.
The Kansas Department of Transportation urges residents to monitor road conditions closely, allow extra travel time, and keep vehicles stocked with winter emergency supplies. With colder air expected to persist, snow that falls may linger between systems.
More detailed timing and potential winter weather advisories are expected as the late-January window approaches, with clearer impacts becoming available by early next week.
