WICHITA, Kan. – Fall sunshine greets south-central Kansas this morning, but a brisk wind and cooler air signal change ahead. By Saturday night, the mild stretch that’s kept lawns green and coats light will give way to one of the coldest weekends so far this November.
According to the National Weather Service in Wichita, highs will linger near 68°F Friday before a quick-turning cold front sweeps across the region Saturday afternoon. Northwest winds could gust up to 35 mph, sending temperatures tumbling into the 20s by early Sunday. The sudden drop — a roughly 40-degree swing — will bring a biting chill for anyone headed out to Veterans Day parades, early holiday markets, or high school football playoffs.
Drivers along I-35 and U.S. 54 should prepare for breezy crosswinds and rapidly falling temps late Saturday. Those planning weekend travel across Kansas or into northern Oklahoma should pack layers and plan for colder mornings that feel more like early winter than late fall.
For now, skies stay dry and mostly sunny, but models hint at a more active mid-November pattern. With Arctic air spreading from the Northern Plains, the first snow chances of the season may emerge before Thanksgiving across the upper Midwest — possibly reaching Kansas if the cold trend deepens.
Residents are encouraged to secure outdoor decorations, protect pets and pipes, and take advantage of Friday’s warmth before the weekend chill sets in.
Five-Day Forecast for Wichita, KS:
Thu: 69/46 – Sunny, mild; east wind 10–15 mph.
Fri: 68/46 – Bright and calm; light southwest breeze.
Sat: 62/29 – Breezy; strong north winds, falling temps late.
Sun: 41/24 – Clear, cold; brisk morning chill.
Mon: 49/38 – Sunny; gradual rebound with light winds.
