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 /12Z TAFS THROUGH 12Z SUNDAY/

Issued at 526 AM CST Sat Feb 21 2026

Low stratus in the IFR flight category (500 to 900 feet AGL) was expanding slowly southward in the wake of last night's storm system. Latest HRRR and HREF models suggest this stratus will start to erode around DDC by 15Z. GCK terminal will be on the edge of this stratus deck, so we will include a TEMPO group for IFR stratus through 14Z. Otherwise, other terminals should remain VFR through the period and all terminals will be VFR by late morning. Stronger northwest winds will develop this afternoon, averaging 15 to 20 knots sustained at GCK, DDC, and LBL.

DDC WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

None.