textproduct: Wichita

KEY MESSAGES

- Widely scattered light showers/sprinkles are expected across much of the area today and tonight with an isolated thunderstorm possible tonight across parts of central/south central KS. Strong or severe storms are NOT expected.

- Near and above average temperatures are expected through the week and into the weekend. An subtle cool down is expected as we move into early next week.

- Increasing probabilities for showers return late in the weekend.

DISCUSSION

Issued at 247 AM CDT Tue Oct 20 2026

A shortwave trough lifting out of the Southwest will keep some mid- level clouds over much of the area today-tonight which could impact forecast high temperatures this afternoon. There is higher confidence that will will see some light shower activity and sprinkles lingering across much of the area today through tonight. An isolated thunderstorm will be hard to rule out tonight with some steepening mid-lvl lapse rates and elevated cape around 250 J/KG as the shortwave trough pivots across the area. Strong or severe storms are NOT expected.

Wed-Thu...Cloudiness may linger into Wed but the probabilities for light showers/sprinkles are expected to subside as the mid/upper ridge begins to amplify over the area once again bringing seasonably mild temperatures with highs in the low to mid 70s. Another mild day is anticipated on Thu with a compact ridge situated over the area while a more vigorous mid/upper trough moves over the Great Basin area impacting the Central Rockies.

This trough is progged to translate slowly eastward into the Rockies Fri-Sat keeping the higher probabilities for showers just west of the area. By late Sunday, this trough is progged to emerge from the Rockies bringing increasing chances for showers to the area Sun into Mon while a cold front users in cooler but seasonable air for the start of the next week.

AVIATION /06Z TAFS THROUGH 06Z WEDNESDAY/

Issued at 1048 PM CDT Mon Oct 19 2026

VFR conditions are expected throughout the TAF period. Southerly winds will remain generally less than 15 kt. Similar to earlier this morning, widely scattered sprinkles/showers are expected late tonight into the daytime hours Tuesday. Fortunately, conditions are expected to remain VFR even within the -SHRA.

ICT WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

None.