textproduct: Wichita

KEY MESSAGES

- Cooler conditions today and tonight.

- Gradual warming trend beginning on Sunday.

- Low storm chances possibly return by mid-to-late next week.

DISCUSSION

Issued at 333 AM CDT Sat Apr 18 2026

TODAY THROUGH TUESDAY...

A broad and strong deep layer trough is laid out across the center of the country, and it continues to progress eastward this morning. Much cooler and drier air has surged southward behind a strong cold front which is located across Texas and the Ozarks. Gusty northerly winds early this morning will gradually diminish today; however, it will still feel cool today with morning temperatures in the 30s and 40s, and afternoon highs in the low to mid 60s. Additionally, lighter winds and temperatures near freezing across northern Kansas may support frost north of I-70 for couple of hours. Similar conditions are possible Sunday morning across a larger area, mainly west of the Flint Hills. Southerly flow will return by Sunday afternoon, and a slow warming trend will commence heading into next week. Both Monday and Tuesday will feature afternoon highs in the 70s and 80s, and overnight lows in the 50s. Also, gusty winds and dry conditions both Sunday and Monday afternoon may support a brief period of very high grassland fire danger across central Kansas.

WEDNESDAY THROUGH NEXT WEEKEND...

Towards the end of next week, mid to long range guidance continues to suggest that another trough will eject out of the Rockies and into the central and northern plains. Exact timing is a bit up into the air, and several upper perturbations passing over the region may support multiple low chances for showers and storms beginning Wednesday night and heading into the weekend. Similar to the past week or so, not everyone will see a storm, and best chances will be across eastern Kansas and Missouri. Currently, it appears Thursday will see the most widespread chances for showers and storms. That being said, be sure to stay tuned for updates to the forecast over the coming days.

AVIATION /12Z TAFS THROUGH 12Z SUNDAY/

Issued at 607 AM CDT Sat Apr 18 2026

VFR conditions will continue through the TAF period.

Northerly winds continue to decrease this morning across southern and central Kansas; however, breezy winds will continue across southeast Kansas through at least the early afternoon hours. By this evening, winds will lighten up and shift to a southwesterly drift through Sunday morning.

FIRE WEATHER

Issued at 333 AM CDT Sat Apr 18 2026

Breezy and dry conditions will support very high grassland fire danger along and west of I-135 each afternoon on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday afternoons.

ICT WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

None.