textproduct: Wichita

KEY MESSAGES

- Dry and warm conditions will persist into early next week.

- A pattern change will bring a return to more seasonable temperatures with increasing probabilities for precipitation next week.

DISCUSSION

Issued at 310 AM CDT Thu Oct 8 2026

Currently, a deep upper level trough is situated over the northeastern US and eastern Canada while the ridge axis extends over the west coast of the US placing the Central Plains under weak northwesterly flow. Anomalous heights over the region will lead to afternoon temperatures reaching above normal through early next week. High temperatures across the state will reach into the middle to upper 80s each afternoon. A few locations in southern Kansas could top out in the lower 90s. By Friday, a trough will begin digging into the Pac NW and a corresponding surface low will develop over the Northern Rockies and southern Canadian Prairies. The resulting tightening pressure gradient over the Plains will lead to breezy southwesterly winds for Fri-Mon. Sustained winds between 15- 25 mph with gusts up to 35 mph are possible each afternoon.

The next chance for a pattern change will then come next week as a cutoff low develops over southern California on Monday and lifts toward the Plains by mid week. While confidence in exact timing and impacts remains low, continuity between model guidance suggests increased rain chances and cooler temperatures for the tail end of the forecast time frame and beyond.

AVIATION /18Z TAFS THROUGH 18Z FRIDAY/

Issued at 1220 PM CDT Thu Oct 8 2026

VFR conditions are expected through this TAF period. Southerly winds at or below 10 kts will continue then southeasterly winds will increase in central KS late Friday morning with gusts up to 20 kts. Winds in south-central will increase after 18z Friday.

ICT WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

None.