Wichita, Kansas – Residents across central and south-central Kansas should prepare for a gusty Fourth of July, as strong south winds and the risk of nighttime thunderstorms could disrupt evening celebrations Friday.
According to the National Weather Service in Wichita, temperatures will remain slightly below normal through Thursday with highs between 88 and 93 degrees. However, wind speeds are expected to increase significantly by Friday afternoon, with sustained south winds of 20 to 30 mph. Storm chances rise late Friday and are most likely during the evening hours.
Communities including Hutchinson, El Dorado, and Winfield could see evening fireworks impacted by storms or strong gusts. Outdoor plans should be flexible, and residents are urged to secure lightweight items and monitor local alerts. Saturday could bring more scattered thunderstorms, keeping the risk of weather-related interruptions high into the weekend.
This week’s weather pattern reflects a typical early July setup for the region, where summer instability meets incoming southern moisture. Drivers should watch for sudden downpours Friday night, and event organizers are advised to have backup plans in place.
Storm watches may be issued as conditions evolve. Stay tuned to NWS Wichita for the latest updates.
🌤 5-Day Forecast for Central, South Central, and Southeast Kansas
- Wednesday: Sunny, dry, highs 88–93°F
- Thursday: Partly sunny, dry, highs 88–92°F
- Friday (July 4): Gusty south winds (20–30 mph), storm chances increase at night, highs 87–91°F
- Saturday: Scattered thunderstorms possible, highs 88–92°F
- Sunday: Warmer with lingering storm chances, highs in the low 90s (watch for updates)
