Warm light spills across south-central Kansas this morning as a mild breeze moves through Wichita, but the quiet scene won’t last long. A sharp temperature drop arrives Thursday, pushing the region back toward a winter feel after a brief stretch of sunny, near-60° afternoons. Drivers and early commuters should prepare for quick weather swings that may change how roads feel by evening.
According to the National Weather Service, Wichita climbs into the low 60s today under bright sun and a steady south wind. The air stays crisp but comfortable, making this one of the warmest days of early December. By tonight, temperatures settle near 40°, and winds ease before shifting northwest Wednesday.
Meteorologists say Thursday is the key transition. Highs still touch the low 60s, but colder air presses in late, sending temperatures toward the mid-30s by night. That drop may trigger patchy frost in outlying areas and could create slick spots where pavement cools quickly. Plan extra time for travel Thursday night, especially on shaded roads.
A broader winter pattern continues shaping up across the country. Long-range models show a stronger arctic push reaching the Midwest, Great Lakes, and East Coast between December 11–17, with snow belts near the lakes picking up multiple rounds of lake-effect snow. While Kansas won’t see that intensity, the colder pattern may expand west enough to send Wichita another December chill this weekend.
Five-Day Outlook (Wichita)
• Wednesday: Sunny, high 53°.
• Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, low 37°.
• Thursday: Mostly sunny, high 62°.
• Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, low 36°.
• Friday: Mostly sunny, high 45°.
• Friday Night: Mostly clear, low 23°.
• Saturday: Sunny, high 39°.
