Wichita, Kansas – New Year’s Day is getting off to a calm and manageable start across south central Kansas, with mild temperatures and limited weather concerns after some early morning fog. Conditions improve steadily through the day, making travel and outdoor plans easier than what’s typical for early January.
According to the National Weather Service in Wichita, patchy fog developed early this morning across parts of central and southeast Kansas, mainly affecting rural roads and low-lying areas around daybreak. Visibility improves by late morning as clouds thin and sunshine becomes more dominant. Afternoon temperatures are expected to climb into the upper 40s and 50s, well above seasonal averages.
Wichita, Hutchinson, Newton, and surrounding communities will see highs near the mid to upper 50s this afternoon. Farther southeast toward Winfield and Coffeyville, temperatures may briefly approach the upper 50s under partly sunny skies. Winds remain light, limiting additional travel issues once fog clears.
The mild pattern continues into the weekend with mostly dry conditions statewide. A weak system may bring a spotty shower to parts of southeast Kansas on Friday, but widespread rain is not expected. Overnight lows dip into the upper 20s and 30s, keeping any moisture limited.
Drivers heading out early this morning should remain cautious in fog-prone areas, especially along highways and county roads. Allow extra distance between vehicles and use low-beam headlights where visibility drops.
Looking ahead, temperatures trend warmer into the weekend and early next week, with increasing sunshine and highs pushing into the 60s by Sunday and Monday. No winter weather headlines are posted at this time, and conditions remain quiet across the region.
Five Day Outlook for Wichita, Kansas
Thursday: Patchy fog early, then partly sunny, highs 49–58, lows 29–39
Friday: Mostly cloudy, slight shower chance southeast Kansas, highs 44–53, lows 26–32
Saturday: Sunny, highs 48–58, lows 30–35
Sunday: Partly sunny, warmer, highs 54–62, lows 32–44
Monday: Mild and partly sunny, highs 63–67
