WICHITA, Kan. – The morning sky glows crystal clear over Sedgwick County, but the calm won’t last much longer. By late Thursday, clouds will muscle into south-central Kansas, setting the stage for a soggy and cooler stretch to close the week.
According to the National Weather Service in Wichita, today stays sunny and mild, with highs near 69°F and a northwest breeze up to 18 mph. Another dry day follows Wednesday, climbing into the low 70s under mostly clear skies. Conditions shift sharply Thursday as a strong upper disturbance pushes east across the Plains. Thunderstorms are likely to develop after sunset, with locally heavy rainfall, gusty winds, and lightning possible through Friday morning.
The main impact zone runs along the I-35 corridor from Wichita to Newton and Emporia, where wet pavement and ponding could slow travel into the Friday commute. Outdoor events and late football practices should have backup indoor plans as storms may roll in between 8 p.m. and 2 a.m. Gusts near 25 mph and brief downpours may follow even after the initial line passes.
Behind the system, cooler air filters in Friday afternoon with highs falling to the low 60s. Light rain may linger into early Saturday before clearing sets up a bright but brisk weekend. Lows will hover in the 40s, but longer-range models hint that Wichita’s first fall freeze could arrive before Halloween — a reminder to wrap up garden work and protect sensitive plants before that chill locks in.
Five-Day Forecast for Wichita, KS:
Tue: 69/42 – Sunny; light northwest wind, calm evening.
Wed: 74/47 – Clear and warm; calm southwest breeze.
Thu: 69/56 – Increasing clouds; late storms likely.
Fri: 63/55 – Showers and breezy; cooling trend begins.
Sat: 62/43 – Mostly cloudy; gradual clearing, cooler air.
