Dodge City, Kansas – Western Kansas faces a severe storm threat Friday evening with baseball-size hail and wind gusts up to 60 mph expected to hit cities like Elkhart, Liberal, and Dodge City by nightfall.
According to the National Weather Service in Dodge City, a Category 2 out of 5 severe weather risk is in place for western counties. The strongest storms are likely late Friday, particularly along the U.S. 83 corridor from Liberal to Garden City. High temperatures in Elkhart and Ulysses may peak near 90°F before a cold front drops temperatures and ushers in wet conditions for the holiday weekend.
The region will trend significantly cooler and wetter from Saturday through Memorial Day. Rain chances remain high, with areas like Hays, Pratt, and Ashland seeing 60%–75% precipitation probability through Sunday evening. Roads could become slick, and minor flooding is possible in low-lying areas.
Residents are urged to secure outdoor items, charge mobile devices, and delay travel during storms. Power outages and tree damage are possible in areas hit by strong wind gusts or hail.
Severe storm warnings remain possible into Friday night. Rain and below-average highs in the 60s will continue into Monday, affecting Memorial Day travel and outdoor plans statewide.
