Wichita, KS – Gusty winds and a sharp chill are on the move across Kansas as a post-Thanksgiving cold front dives in this weekend. Light rain Friday night could transition to a rain-snow mix by Saturday, creating tricky travel conditions for anyone heading home after the holiday rush.
According to the National Weather Service, rain becomes likely Saturday with highs near 46°F before temperatures tumble into the low 20s by nightfall. Strong southwest winds—gusting up to 35 mph—could make driving difficult on open stretches of I-35 and I-135. By Sunday, skies turn partly sunny but remain cold, with highs near 31°F and another chance of light snow Monday as Arctic air lingers.
Meteorologists say this weekend marks the first real sign of an early December cold snap stretching from the Rockies to the Midwest. NOAA’s latest outlook shows below-normal temperatures expanding eastward December 2–6, with wetter conditions likely across the central and southern Plains. That means Kansas could see more rain-to-snow transitions early next week as upper-level disturbances sweep through.
Residents should secure holiday decorations, clear drains, and prepare vehicles for freezing temperatures. Those traveling across Kansas highways late Saturday into early Sunday should expect reduced visibility, wet roads, and icy spots in higher terrain.
Five-Day Outlook for Wichita, KS
- Friday: Increasing clouds, breezy, high 49°F.
- Saturday: Rain likely, rain/snow mix possible, high 46°F, low 21°F.
- Sunday: Partly sunny, high 31°F.
- Monday: Slight snow chance, high 30°F.
- Tuesday: Sunny, high 40°F.
