Wichita, Kan. – Storm chances return to Kansas late Thursday night into Friday afternoon, bringing the potential for heavy rain and small hail across south central and southeast counties. Highs Friday will struggle to reach 70, keeping temperatures well below early September averages.
According to the National Weather Service in Wichita, showers and thunderstorms will develop after 3 a.m. Friday and continue through the afternoon. Wichita holds nearly a 60% chance of rain, while Hutchinson, Winfield, and Harper range from 40% to 57%. Brief downpours and isolated hail are possible with stronger cells.
Travelers on I-35 and U.S. 54 should be alert for sudden heavy rain reducing visibility during the morning commute. Outdoor events may be interrupted, and residents are advised to move indoors quickly if thunder is heard. The cooler air will deepen overnight, with lows by Saturday morning dipping into the upper 40s for much of the region.
The weekend brings a quick turnaround, with dry skies and highs climbing into the mid-70s Saturday and upper 70s Sunday. More unsettled weather could return early next week as temperatures rebound closer to seasonal norms.
