Wichita, KS – A sharp, frosty dawn greets residents across south-central Kansas today as temperatures dip into the low 20s, wind cutting from the north under partly cloudy skies. The air feels still but biting — a classic early December cold snap that’s keeping windshields frosted and breath visible through the morning commute.
Meteorologists say this chill will hold through the next 48 hours before a slow warm-up takes hold this weekend. Today’s high will only reach 34°F, but sunshine strengthens into Friday with highs near 48°F. Morning lows will remain below freezing, dropping between 25°F and 28°F, ensuring continued frost risk on vehicles and lawns.
By Saturday, conditions turn milder and more comfortable, with highs again around 48°F and lighter winds out of the south. Sunday brings a brief cool-down into the mid-30s before temperatures rebound early next week, reaching the mid-40s Monday and near 54°F by Tuesday — a noticeable turnaround after several mornings in the 20s.
Drivers should remain cautious during early hours, as black ice can develop where frost meets shaded pavement, especially on bridges and overpasses. For now, Wichita’s skies stay dry, but models continue to monitor a possible system forming northward around Dec. 11–17, which could bring light snow or icy precipitation to Kansas and neighboring states as holiday travel ramps up.
Five-Day Outlook (Wichita Metro):
- Friday: Mostly sunny, high 48°F, low 28°F.
- Saturday: Partly sunny, high 48°F, low 28°F.
- Sunday: Partly sunny, high 35°F, low 21°F.
- Monday: Sunny, high 44°F, low 30°F.
- Tuesday: Sunny, high 54°F.
