textproduct: Wichita

KEY MESSAGES

- Snow continues to taper off across portions of central KS

- Warming trend begins Monday into Tuesday with temperatures returning to the 60s and 70s by Tuesday; very high fire danger possible Tuesday

- Next chance for precipitation arrives late Wednesday into Thursday

DISCUSSION

Issued at 123 AM CST Sat Feb 21 2026

As of 130 AM Saturday morning, a compact midlevel shortwave trough continues to progress across central and eastern KS. Widespread snowfall continues to fall across portions of central KS, where KanDrive cameras reveal snow covered roads. Further south across south-central and southeast KS, radar returns continue to translate across these areas, although plentiful low-level dry has resulted in the majority of precipitation evaporating/sublimating to this point. As the shortwave trough departs the area by dawn, snowfall will exit the area from west to east as well. All in all, most locations across central KS will generally see an inch or less of snow, although a few spots may approach 2", especially across portions of Russell, Lincoln, and Saline counties.

Midlevel heights will begin to increase this afternoon through Tuesday as midlevel ridging amplifies across the Rockies. An area of surface high pressure will remain across the forecast area today through Monday. This will promote light winds and seasonal temperatures in the 30s and 40s. The area of surface high pressure will shift east late Monday into Monday night, allowing southerly low-level flow to return. This will promote a warming trend with temperatures returning to the 60s for Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons. GFS and ECMWF solutions continue to suggest a shortwave trough will slide southeast across the central Plains next Thursday. This passage may provide the next potential for light rain showers.

AVIATION /06Z TAFS THROUGH 06Z SUNDAY/

Issued at 1139 PM CST Fri Feb 20 2026

Snow has started moving through the area with this system continuing to shift northeast through early Saturday morning. Snowfall will end at ICT and HUT by 08z with snow chances diminishing between 08-10z for RSL, GBD, and SLN. MVFR ceilings are likely between 10-15z before ceilings return to VFR. Northerly winds will remain relatively light with speeds generally at or under 10 kts through this TAF period.

FIRE WEATHER

Issued at 123 AM CST Sat Feb 21 2026

Strong south to southwest winds of 15-20 mph with gusts up to 25 mph combined with relative humidity values of 20-30% will support very high fire danger Tuesday afternoon. This threat area is mainly confined to areas southeast of the KS Turnpike.

ICT WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

Winter Weather Advisory until 6 AM CST early this morning for KSZ032-033-047>049.