Kansas – A thin layer of frost sparkles across fields near Wichita as the plains wake to another crisp, quiet morning. The air feels steady now, but a sharp temperature shift and storm energy loom for the weekend, signaling the start of a true winter tease across central Kansas.
For now, the Thanksgiving travel window looks near-perfect. According to the National Weather Service in Wichita, Thursday will be sunny and calm, with highs near 50°F and light winds — excellent conditions along I-35, I-135, and I-70 for early holiday traffic. Friday also stays dry and mild, with highs in the upper 40s, offering a stable setup for anyone heading to family gatherings or Black Friday shopping trips.
That calm gives way Friday night as a storm system moves in from the Rockies, bringing a 40–50% chance of rain across south-central Kansas. By Saturday, cooler air settles in — highs near 49°F but falling quickly through the day — and some northwestern counties could see a brief rain-to-snow changeover late Saturday evening. While no heavy accumulation is expected, the mix could create slick spots on bridges or shaded roads.
Temperatures plunge into the low 20s by Sunday morning, followed by another 20% chance of light snow late Sunday night into Monday. It’s a noticeable pattern shift — the first clear signal of winter tightening its grip.
Looking ahead, models show an Arctic front diving south between December 1–5, likely bringing widespread cold and heavier snow potential across the central U.S.
For now, Kansas enjoys a calm Thanksgiving week — but by the weekend, winter begins to whisper across the plains.
