WICHITA, Kan. – Dry leaves swirl across parking lots and gusts rattle street signs this morning as cold northwest winds cut through the Wichita metro. Temperatures hover in the mid-40s, but the wind chill feels closer to freezing. The National Weather Service in Wichita has issued a Wind Advisory until 1 p.m. and a Freeze Watch beginning late tonight as arctic air briefly grips south-central Kansas.
According to meteorologists, northwest gusts could reach 45 mph through midday before gradually easing by afternoon. Sunshine returns, but the air will stay sharply cool—highs near 54°. The first widespread frost of the season is likely tonight, especially along rural stretches of I-35 and U.S. 54, where lows dip into the low 30s. Residents should cover sensitive plants, disconnect hoses, and bring pets inside as patchy frost spreads before dawn Thursday.
Thursday and Friday bring relief. Highs rebound into the upper 50s and low 60s under bright skies, setting the stage for nearly perfect Halloween weather. Trick-or-treaters can expect a calm, mild evening Friday with temps near 60° early, dipping into the upper 40s by late. No rain, no wind—just crisp fall air across Sedgwick and Butler Counties.
Looking toward the weekend, high pressure keeps skies clear with highs climbing into the upper 60s Saturday and near 70° Sunday. The stretch will feel like late-fall gold before another cooler push develops early next week. To be fair, Kansas has earned a calm spell—but November’s early models hint at a quick return to chilly, possibly wetter weather. After all, clocks fall back at 2 a.m. Sunday, signaling darker evenings and winter’s slow approach.
Five-Day Forecast for Wichita, KS:
Wed: 54/34 – Windy and cold; gusts near 45 mph early.
Thu: 58/37 – Sunny; patchy frost early, light breeze.
Fri: 60/38 – Mostly sunny; calm, mild trick-or-treat evening.
Sat: 56/36 – Sunny and pleasant; warming trend begins.
Sun: 69/40 – Sunny and warm; cooler pattern returns next week.
