Kansas is experiencing a tranquil Wednesday morning with cold but clear conditions. Morning lows in the 20s are forecast to rise into the mid to upper 40s this afternoon under predominantly sunny skies.
Thursday represents the quiet period before winter weather moves in. Sunshine will give way to increasing clouds throughout the day, with highs dropping to the upper 30s and lower 40s. Travel conditions should remain unaffected.
A wave of Arctic air is set to sweep into Kansas on Friday, creating conditions favorable for substantial snowfall statewide. Daytime highs will barely reach the teens, while nighttime and early morning temperatures will drop into the single digits. Wind chill factors will plunge to ten to twenty below zero, creating dangerous conditions where exposed skin could develop frostbite in just thirty minutes.
Meteorologists are monitoring a storm system whose precise track is still being determined, though there's growing confidence it will deliver measurable snow across Kansas. Areas along and north of Interstate 70 may experience lighter amounts, while southern portions of the state could see accumulations of several inches. Snow is expected to begin in western Kansas Friday afternoon before progressing eastward through the evening and overnight hours. Precipitation will persist through Saturday before ending during the evening or overnight period.
Wichita-Area Extended Forecast
Wednesday: Increasing cloudiness with cooler temperatures. East to northeast winds at 5-15 mph. High near 44 degrees.
Friday: Cloudy and considerably colder with afternoon snow developing. Low near 13 degrees, high around 16 degrees.
Saturday: Continued snow with very cold conditions. Low near 2 degrees, high near 8 degrees.
Sunday: Decreasing clouds but remaining very cold. Low around -3 degrees, high near 15 degrees.
Monday: Sunny skies return. Low around 2 degrees, high near 27 degrees.
Tuesday: Partly cloudy and breezy conditions. Low around 15 degrees, high near 33 degrees.