Wichita, Kansas – Headlights cut through pockets of fog at daybreak as bitter cold presses across south-central Kansas. Wind chills hover near zero, and damp pavement glazes quickly where moisture lingers, creating a stealthy travel hazard early today.
According to the National Weather Service in Wichita, wind chills near zero are expected this morning across central and south-central Kansas. Patchy freezing fog may redevelop later today and again into early Thursday, producing slick spots on bridges, overpasses, and untreated roads.
Across Sedgwick County, visibility may drop suddenly in low-lying areas and along rural highways west and north of Wichita. Drivers on I-135, U.S. 54, and K-96 should reduce speed during the morning commute. Even light fog can freeze on contact, especially near intersections and shaded stretches. Keep headlights on and increase following distance.
Temperatures recover slightly during the day, but winter stays in control. A few flurries are possible late Thursday night into Friday, with no meaningful accumulation expected. The bigger concern arrives late Friday into Saturday as another surge of cold air drops south. Wind chills are expected to sink 10 to 15 degrees below zero by Saturday morning, creating dangerous conditions for anyone outdoors.
Residents should limit exposure, bundle exposed skin, and check on pets and vulnerable neighbors. Outdoor plans may need adjusting as the cold peaks. By Sunday, temperatures rebound closer to seasonal levels, offering a brief break from the harsh chill.
Looking ahead, NOAA’s 6–10 day outlook points to drier conditions developing across the central U.S. into early February, while warmer-than-normal air spreads across the Southeast. That pattern may ease winter stress locally, but short-term cold remains the priority now.
Traveling early or late today? Share what road conditions look like in your area.
Five Day Outlook for Wichita, Kansas
- Today: Sunny, high near 37°F
- Thursday: Patchy freezing fog early, high near 30°F
- Friday: Mostly cloudy, slight snow chance, high near 25°F
- Saturday: Mostly sunny, very cold, high near 18°F
- Sunday: Mostly sunny, high near 36°F
