Kansas – Bitter cold greets south-central Kansas this morning, tightening coats and frosting windshields before sunrise. The air feels sharp and dry, and pavement stays stiff where the freeze settled deepest. Winter starts the day with authority, even as calmer weather lines up ahead.
According to the National Weather Service in Wichita, early temperatures dropped into the mid-teens with light winds. Skies stay clear through much of the day, allowing sunshine to push highs back toward 50. No winter advisories are posted, but the cold start raises concerns for frost and patchy black ice during the morning commute.
Across the Wichita metro, travel conditions improve quickly after sunrise. Bridges, overpasses, and shaded streets remain the slickest spots early. By afternoon, dry pavement and lighter winds make for smoother driving and outdoor errands.
Midweek brings a steady warming trend. Highs climb into the mid-50s Wednesday, then hover near the low 50s for New Year’s Day 2026. Skies stay mostly sunny to partly cloudy, keeping precipitation chances low. The larger concern remains temperature swings rather than storms.
That warm-up comes with a catch. Cold nights persist, dropping back near the upper 20s. Any melted frost or moisture can refreeze after sunset, creating slick patches late in the evening and again before sunrise. Drivers should remain cautious during early departures and late-night returns.
I-135 and surface roads across Sedgwick County should remain clear overall, but slower speeds help during the coldest hours. Give brakes extra room and watch for isolated icy spots.
Quiet, dry weather carries into the first weekend of 2026, with highs climbing back into the low 50s. Winter isn’t finished, but for now, travel impacts stay minimal. Heading out early or traveling for New Year’s plans? Let us know how cold it felt in your neighborhood.
Five-Day Outlook for Wichita, Kansas
Today: Sunny, high near 50
Wednesday: Sunny, high near 55
New Year’s Day 2026 (Thursday): Partly sunny, high near 51
Friday: Mostly sunny, high near 52
Saturday: Sunny, high near 52
