textproduct: Dodge City

KEY MESSAGES

- Near to record setting heat again today; high temperatures 105-110 forecast area wide

- Low storm chance in western counties; but gusty winds and isolated dry lightning leading to grassland fire possible

- Cooler temperatures and rain chances increase mid week and into next weekend

DISCUSSION

Issued at 123 AM CDT Sun Aug 9 2026

Weather pattern affecting the forecast area has not changed as ridge continues to sit and meander across the southwestern U.S. Heights will continue to remain elevated and with efficient southwesterly downslope flow, we expect another day of near to record breaking heat across the forecast area. A Heat Advisory has been issued CWA-wide to highlight widespread 105-110 degree temperatures. It should be noted that heat indices are not the driving factor for this issuance, just the actual air temperature. We are allowed the discretion, despite heat indices not much of a factor, to issue heat headlines after collaboration with neighboring offices. It was determined given the prolonged stretch of the intense heat, combined with consistent messaging, that a headline was warranted. Heat precautions should be taken to mitigate the risk of heat related illnesses. Additional heat headlines may be needed into early next week, but those decisions will be made on a day to day basis.

Similarly to today, isolated thunderstorms will be possible to develop. The coverage is expected to be low (10-20%), but again favoring west and northwestern zones. The risks from any storm would be gusty winds 50-60 mph given average sounding DCAPEs around 2,000 J/kg again. Another risk would be the lightning induced grassland fire potential. With dew points in the 40s and air temperatures exceeding triple digits, rainfall reaching the ground would be limited. Given strong potential winds in and around storms, if a fire were to start, it could spread rapidly. SPC Fire Weather forecast does outline a isolated dry thunderstorm risk to highlight this potential.

Not much has changed in the longer term period as lower temperatures and higher chance of rainfall remains evident. LREF grand ensemble and NBM probabilities continue to maintain widespread 30-70% POPs each evening/night from Wednesday and into next weekend. High temperatures return into the 80s by late week.

AVIATION /06Z TAFS THROUGH 06Z MONDAY/

Issued at 1126 PM CDT Sat Aug 8 2026

VFR conditions will prevail throughout the TAF period. Another hot and breezy southwesterly winds are expected. Expect sustained winds to increase Sunday afternoon 15-20 knots with gusts around 30 knots. A few showers and storms are possible Sunday evening, but coverage is 20% or less.

DDC WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

Heat Advisory from noon CDT /11 AM MDT/ today to 8 PM CDT /7 PM MDT/ this evening for KSZ030-031-043>046-061>066-074>081- 084>090.