Wichita, Kan. – South-central Kansas will open the week with sunshine, but scattered thunderstorms return by Monday afternoon and could linger into early Tuesday. Travelers along I-135 and U.S. 54 should plan for potential evening delays and brief heavy rain.
According to the National Weather Service, Wichita will see highs near 77°F Monday with a 20 percent chance of afternoon storms. Rain chances rise to 30 percent Monday night, with gusts up to 25 mph possible in stronger cells. By Tuesday morning, thunderstorms may develop before 7 a.m. before giving way to sunny skies and highs near 80°F.
While widespread severe weather is not expected, brief downpours and lightning could affect outdoor plans and commutes. Localized gusty winds may also create driving hazards during heavier showers.
The NOAA long-range precipitation outlook keeps Kansas leaning below normal through mid-September, suggesting this week’s storm chances will be isolated and short-lived rather than sustained. That means crops and soil may not see much drought relief despite the early-week rain.
By Wednesday, sunshine and highs in the low 80s return to the Wichita metro. Conditions will stay warm and dry through next weekend, with highs climbing into the mid-80s.
Residents are urged to monitor forecasts Monday night into Tuesday morning for any changes in storm intensity.
Five-Day Forecast for Wichita, Kansas
- Monday: 20% chance of storms after 1 p.m., high 77°F
- Tuesday: Storms possible before 7 a.m., then sunny, high 80°F
- Wednesday: Sunny, high 83°F, mild winds
- Thursday: Mostly sunny, high 84°F
- Friday: Sunny, high 86°F, warm afternoon
