Statewide cold air bites early, stinging exposed skin and frosting windshields before sunrise. Breath hangs in the air, pavement feels brittle, and engines strain as Wichita wakes to one of the coldest mornings of December so far.
According to the National Weather Service in Wichita, wind chill values across south-central Kansas have dropped near zero degrees early this morning. Actual air temperatures hovered in the low teens around Wichita, with light northeast winds making it feel significantly colder. Drivers heading out early should watch for slick spots, especially on bridges and shaded roads, where refreeze can occur quickly.
Conditions improve modestly later today as sunshine takes hold. Highs climb into the upper 20s this afternoon, though the air stays brisk. Winds gradually turn southerly, offering slight relief by evening. Still, it remains a true Winter setup, and exposed skin can become uncomfortable in minutes.
Looking ahead, a noticeable warm-up begins Monday. Highs rebound near 50 degrees, with dry conditions and increasing southwest winds. Tuesday brings even milder December Weather, with afternoon temperatures reaching the mid-50s across Sedgwick County. That warm-to-cold swing raises an early-season red flag. Melting moisture during the day can refreeze at night, creating black ice on untreated roads.
By midweek, temperatures remain seasonably mild, holding in the 50s through Thursday. Nights, however, trend colder again late week. Lows dip back into the 20s by Thursday night, reinforcing the winter pattern as Christmas travel ramps up.
Residents should dress in layers today, limit prolonged outdoor exposure, and allow extra time for morning travel. Keep an eye on changing road conditions as temperatures fluctuate this week.
5-Day Snapshot for Wichita, KS
• Today: Sunny, cold. High near 28°.
• Monday: Sunny, milder. High near 50°.
• Tuesday: Mostly sunny. High mid-50s.
• Wednesday: Mostly sunny. High mid-50s.
• Thursday: Partly cloudy. High mid-50s, colder at night.
