textproduct: Dodge City

KEY MESSAGES

- Below normal temperatures will continue today, with highs in the upper-50s to mid-60s.

- Light rain showers are continuing in the northern counties with a chance (10-30%) for more in far SW Kansas later today

- Upper level pattern flip this weekend will bring increasing temperatures and dry conditions Saturday through Monday.

DISCUSSION

Issued at 1243 PM CDT Thu Apr 30 2026

The synoptic pattern is headlined by a strong and deep low pressure system over the northeastern CONUS. Aloft over the CWA is primarily zonal flow with very marginal high pressure near the surface. Despite this very light showers continue across the northern section of the CWA. The rain will continue to slowly dissipate. The persistent cloud cover is expected to keep highs in the 50/60s. Some patchy fog remains possible as light winds will pair with saturated air. The next forecast cycle will provide more clarity on the coverage and density of any potential fog.

Highs Friday are expected to still be cooler in the 60s. Some continued light showers are possible in the farthest west counties near the Colorado border, with ensembles giving a 30-50% chance. Even if these showers occur, amounts will be lower (<0.1"). Beyond these chances, the weekend is forecast to be dry. Also over the weekend, ensembles have a closed low developing over the West Coast.

In the very quiet forecast cycle, no weather headlines are expected for the near future. Friday night/Saturday morning lows are forecast to approach 32-34 degrees in the north and western counties. The only day in the forecast cycle to approach fire weather criteria with relative humidities is on Sunday with areas of 15-20%, but winds are forecast to remain under 20 mph. While the environment may still be conducive to fire weather risk, it is expected to be too marginal and fall short of a Red Flag Warning. Highs through the weekend will warm up significantly. By Sunday, highs are forecast in the 80s across the whole CWA. This will hold into the start of next week before a mid-week cooldown. Ensembles are sporadic on precipitation chances this week. Ensembles have the previously mentioned closed low dissolving over the Rockies. Ensembles have chances from Monday night-Wednesday morning ranging from 50-80% with preliminary amounts up to 0.4" in areas that rain occurs.

AVIATION /00Z TAFS THROUGH 00Z SATURDAY/

Issued at 457 PM CDT Thu Apr 30 2026

Aviation weather will improve this evening as the axis of light to moderate rain will continue to dissolve across much of west central into southwest Kansas. Scattered MVFR flight category associated with heavier showers will improve to widespread VFR throughout much of western Kansas tonight. Patchy fog may develop toward daybreak Friday, however higher level cloud will likely remain in place through early Friday morning, prohibiting maximum cooling and subsequent radiation fog development, so we will keep any lower visibility out of the TAF on this 00Z issuance.

DDC WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

None.