textproduct: Dodge City

KEY MESSAGES

- Minor impact snow event ongoing

- Warming trend into next week

- Low chance (20-30%) of precipitation next Wednesday

DISCUSSION

Issued at 1002 PM CST Fri Feb 20 2026

Latest radar and observational trends indicate light snow has begun across portions of the area, especially up along the I-70 corridor. Most of the snow so far has struggled to reach the surface, but as the column continues to saturate, snow should fill in more of the area into the overnight hours. Snowfall accumulations of generally less than 2" will be expected, with areas along I-70 corridor potentially reaching the 1-1.5" range. Winter Weather Advisory is in effect until 6 AM CST for areas that could see minor impact from slick roadways from wet roads freezing. Anyone traveling along in Ellis, Trego, Ness, and Rush Counties should use caution while traveling. There is a scenario where if the baroclinic zone orients the right way as the system pivots eastward, heavier banding could result. This could result in a situation where areas in the northern part of the CWA could exceed 2" of snowfall. However, the probability of this scenario is 10-20% at this time. Trends will continue to be monitored of this potential progression. Snowfall will taper off after 6 AM CST.

After the system departs, we will expect to see daily temperatures gradually climb through the weekend and throughout much of next week. The upcoming ridging and downslope regime will allow 850 mb temperature departures to be +10-20C at times throughout next week. This will correlate to high temperatures in the 60s and 70s, with the potential for warmer temperatures. NBM probabilities of reaching 80 degrees or greater is 30-40%, namely Wednesday and Friday. The warmest temperatures are expected west of Route 283. The only precipitation chances in the medium to long range will be associated with the passage of a cold front on Wednesday, though with limited moisture modeled at this time, POPs are low at only 20-30% in parts of the forecast area.

AVIATION /06Z TAFS THROUGH 06Z SUNDAY/

Issued at 1100 PM CST Fri Feb 20 2026

Snow is ongoing across northern portions of the forecast area, with the greatest impact to the HYS terminal. Snow will continue across this area throughout the overnight hours, tapering off around 12z. Visibilities have dropped to 2 1/2 miles in snow. Reduced visibilities due to patchy fog will also be an impact to the HYS terminal early Saturday morning. Otherwise, across the other airports, VFR conditions are expected throughout the TAF period.

DDC WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

Winter Weather Advisory until 6 AM CST Saturday for KSZ030-031- 045-046.