Wichita, KS – A dangerous line of storms is expected to move into south-central Kansas on Tuesday, threatening residents with destructive hail and possible tornadoes. The system has the potential to produce tennis ball size hail and damaging wind gusts up to 80 mph, creating significant risk to property and life.
According to the National Weather Service in Wichita, the severe weather will develop Tuesday afternoon and intensify into the evening. The main hazards will shift from large hail and high winds to include heavy rainfall and tornadoes overnight into Wednesday morning. Residents in areas from Russell and Saline counties down through Sedgwick, Sumner, and Cowley counties should prepare for impact. All non-essential travel should be avoided during the peak of the storm.
Officials urge residents to secure loose outdoor items, such as patio furniture and trash cans, before the storms arrive. Having multiple ways to receive weather alerts is critical, as conditions can change rapidly. A family emergency plan should be in place, with a designated safe room or shelter.
Following the severe threat, attention turns to oppressive heat. Heat indices are expected to approach 100 degrees on Tuesday afternoon and will return for the Juneteenth holiday on Thursday, continuing through the weekend. More thunderstorms are possible across southeast Kansas on Wednesday. Warnings and advisories will likely be issued as the storm system approaches.
Five-Day Weather Outlook for Wichita:
- Monday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 p.m. with a high near 89.
- Tuesday: Severe thunderstorms likely, with a high near 92. Some storms could produce heavy rain, large hail, and tornadoes.
- Wednesday: Mostly sunny skies with a high near 88.
- Thursday (Juneteenth): Sunny and hot, with a high near 92.
- Friday: Clear skies with a high near 97 as heat builds across the region.
