Kansas, USA – A mild, damp breeze drifts across Wichita before sunrise, brushing wet leaves over driveways as early holiday travelers eye the sky for clues about shifting November weather. Warm air builds through Tuesday, but a midweek system could shake up Thanksgiving travel plans with rain and slower highway movement.
According to the National Weather Service in Wichita, a steady south wind strengthens today, pushing temperatures into the 70s and helping roads dry before conditions change late Wednesday. Residents planning regional travel should watch for reduced visibility in scattered clouds and leave extra time on I-135 and K-96 during the afternoon surge. Light layers work well early, though drivers should keep rain gear close as patterns evolve.
According to meteorologists, Tuesday stays bright and warm, offering a strong leaf-cleanup window. Models hint at a sharp shift by Wednesday evening as a developing disturbance pulls moisture into south-central Kansas. The setup suggests increasing rain chances, with gusty pockets possible east of the city. While temperatures remain well above freezing, the warm-to-cool transition may create slick patches, especially where fallen leaves coat shaded roads.
According to Kansas DOT, crews will monitor drainage points ahead of Wednesday’s system. Motorists heading toward Oklahoma or Kansas City for early Thanksgiving plans should plan for slower travel and check conditions at least twice before departure. For now, the mild pattern keeps any early Winter Tease confined to northern states, but November often pivots quickly.
A calmer stretch may return this weekend, offering pleasant conditions for holiday decorating, shopping runs, or short regional trips. Still, another broader pattern could take shape early next week, so travelers should stay alert.
Five-Day Forecast for Wichita, KS:
Mon: 74/48 – Partly sunny; brisk south wind with gusts near 28 mph.
Tue: 67/45 – Mostly sunny; light north breeze.
Wed: 68/55 – Partly sunny; increasing clouds late.
Thu: 65/48 – Showers likely; slower travel possible.
Fri: 55/37 – Mostly cloudy; brief showers linger.
