Wichita, KS – Warm winds brush across south-central Kansas this morning, but residents are urged to brace for a dramatic weather turnaround. The final stretch of this mild December spell won’t last long — a sharp cold snap will crash in by late Saturday, sending temperatures plunging nearly 50 degrees and bringing hard-freeze conditions into Sunday morning.
According to the National Weather Service, highs today will push into the low 60s under bright skies, making it one of the warmest days left this month. But behind the calm, a strong Arctic front is organizing to the north. By Saturday afternoon, gusty north winds will sweep across the Plains, dropping highs into the low 40s before bottoming out near 14°F by early Sunday.
Travelers along I-35 and U.S. Route 54 should prepare for rapidly changing road conditions through the weekend. Any moisture or melted frost could refreeze on bridges and shaded areas, creating slick patches by sunrise Sunday. Meteorologists say this pattern marks the leading edge of a broader cold surge stretching from the Great Lakes to the southern Plains — the coldest air of the season so far.
Despite the bitter weekend lows, sunshine will return early next week, gradually nudging daytime highs back toward the upper 40s and 50s. Still, early risers should expect frosted windshields and biting winds each morning through midweek.
Five-Day Outlook (Wichita, KS)
- Friday: Sunny, high 46°F, low 27°F.
- Saturday: Mostly sunny, high 42°F, low 14°F.
- Sunday: Sunny, high 30°F, low 22°F.
- Monday: Mostly sunny, high 48°F, low 31°F.
- Tuesday: Mostly sunny, high 52°F.
