Wichita, KS – A stretch of unseasonably warm and dry weather is expected across the Kansas–Missouri region heading into Christmas, with near-record or record-setting temperatures possible by midweek, according to the National Weather Service.
According to the National Weather Service in Wichita, mild and dry conditions will prevail through early next week, with temperatures steadily warming starting Tuesday. Forecasters say this warm pattern may persist through Christmas Day, bringing springlike temperatures to parts of central, south-central, and southeast Kansas, with similar warmth extending into western and central Missouri.
Daily highs are forecast to reach the 50s and lower 60s over the weekend, climbing into the 60s and low 70s by Tuesday and Wednesday. By Christmas Day (Thursday), highs could range from 70 to 76 degrees, levels well above normal for late December and potentially challenging long-standing records.
Overnight lows will also trend warmer, rising from the upper 20s and 30s early in the period to the 40s and 50s by midweek. Despite the warmth, forecasters say rain chances remain very low, keeping conditions dry across most of the region.
The unusual warmth is being driven by a persistent weather pattern that is keeping storm systems north of the Central Plains, allowing warm air to dominate. While the dry weather will benefit holiday travel, officials caution that fire danger could increase, especially on breezy afternoons with low humidity.
Residents planning outdoor holiday activities should enjoy favorable conditions but remain mindful that record-breaking temperatures in December can still bring rapid changes later in the forecast period.
Forecasters recommend monitoring updates as Christmas approaches for refined temperature forecasts and potential record details.
