WICHITA, Kan. – Kansas is waking up to a calm, mild Sunday before a shift in the fall weather pattern early this week. After scattered Columbus Day showers on Monday, sunshine and cooler air will settle in across south-central and central Kansas through midweek.
According to the National Weather Service in Wichita, a 20 to 50 percent chance of light rain and isolated thunderstorms lingers from Hutchinson to Winfield on Monday, with minor impacts possible along I-135. No severe weather is expected, but brief downpours could slow travel for holiday drivers returning home.
By Tuesday, dry air builds back in with highs in the upper 70s to low 80s and noticeably lighter winds. Wednesday will feature picture-perfect fall weather—mostly sunny skies, lower humidity, and highs near 81°F—ideal for outdoor school activities and pumpkin patch visits. Cooler mornings late in the week could dip into the 50s, signaling a modest cold snap before another weak system brings rain chances by Friday.
Drivers should watch for wet roads during early Monday travel and secure outdoor decorations ahead of breezy afternoon gusts. Fall gardeners should also monitor temperatures later this week, as the region trends toward cooler mornings under clear skies.
According to forecasters, no widespread frost or freeze is expected yet, but the seasonal cooldown is beginning to take hold across Kansas.
Five-Day Forecast for Wichita, KS:
Sun: 84/64 – Mostly sunny, breezy; gusts up to 32 mph.
Mon: 71/63 – Chance of showers; breezy at times, 40–50% rain chance.
Tue: 77/62 – Partly sunny; mild and calm winds.
Wed: 81/62 – Mostly sunny and pleasant; ideal fall day.
Thu: 80/58 – Sunny and dry; crisp evening breeze.
