Wichita, Kansas – South-central Kansas will see a short-lived warmup through midweek before another surge of colder air pushes temperatures back down heading into the weekend.
According to the National Weather Service in Wichita, temperatures will gradually moderate today and Wednesday, with some locations reaching the upper 30s to near 40 degrees by Wednesday afternoon. This brief warming trend will provide limited relief from the recent cold spell.
However, forecasters say another surge of cold air is expected to arrive Thursday, bringing falling temperatures and reinforcing winter conditions through the end of the workweek and into the weekend. High temperatures Thursday are forecast to drop into the mid-20s to near 30 degrees, with Friday highs only reaching the upper teens to mid-20s.
Overnight lows will remain cold throughout the period, ranging from the upper single digits to teens, especially Thursday night and Friday morning. Some areas may also see light flurries Thursday and Friday, though no significant snowfall accumulation is currently expected.
Communities affected include Wichita, Hutchinson, Newton, El Dorado, Winfield, Salina, and surrounding areas. Motorists traveling along Interstate 35, Interstate 135, U.S. Highway 54, and Kellogg Avenue may notice rapidly changing conditions as colder air settles back into the region.
While widespread winter precipitation is not anticipated, the persistent cold can still impact daily routines. Vehicles may struggle during colder starts, and prolonged outdoor exposure increases the risk of cold-related health concerns.
The National Weather Service advises residents to dress in warm layers, limit time outdoors during the coldest periods, and bring pets indoors overnight. Space heaters should be used safely and with proper clearance from flammable materials.
Students, early-shift workers, and commuters traveling during early morning hours may experience the greatest impacts as temperatures bottom out.
Forecasters note that cold conditions are expected to persist into the weekend, and residents should continue monitoring updated forecasts for any changes.
