textproduct: Wichita

KEY MESSAGES

- A few strong to marginally severe storms early this afternoon across far southeast Kansas. Hail up to ping pong ball size is the main concern.

- Some rainfall on Thursday with isolated storms possible. Some of this activity may linger into Friday.

- Below average temperatures expected for much of the week, then a warming trend is forecast heading into the weekend.

DISCUSSION

Issued at 202 PM CDT Tue Apr 28 2026

Early this afternoon, scattered strong to marginally severe storms were ongoing across southeast Kansas. Large hail up to quarter size and heavy rainfall are the primary concerns from now through about 5PM this evening. After 00Z, the elevated instability that has been fueling this thunderstorm activity should move off to the south and east, and quieter conditions are anticipated tonight.

A surface ridge will slide into northern and central Kansas tonight and will promote light winds and clear skies across this portion of the forecast. This should maximize radiational cooling overnight, and temperatures in the mid to low 30s are possible along the I-70 corridor. As a result of these cold temperatures and light winds, areas of frost may develop across central Kansas which could be damaging to sensitive vegetation. Cooler than average temperatures persist into Wednesday with afternoon highs in the 60s and overnight lows in the low 40s. Another system will move into the central and southern plains on Thursday. Widespread rainfall is expected across western Kansas as broad synoptic ascent overspreads the High Plains from height falls and vorticity advection aloft. It's still a little unclear how far east this rainfall will make it, and any rain that does fall in the ICT CWA will likely be light and not meaningful for a lot of locations looking for rainfall west of I-135. Model soundings show some very shallow instability in place Thursday afternoon across much of central and south- central Kansas, so some isolated thunderstorms cannot be ruled out. Much of this activity will slide into Oklahoma and Texas Thursday night into Friday morning, but some showers could linger across southern Kansas into Friday. No strong or severe storms are expected Thursday and Friday. Temperatures Thursday and Friday will remain on the cool side with highs in the 60s and lows in the 30s and 40s.

A warming trend is forecast going into the weekend with afternoon highs rising up into the 70s on Saturday, and potentially the 80s for Sunday through Tuesday. This warming trend will also feature fairly quiet conditions across the central plains with little to no impactful weather expected through next Tuesday. Beyond day 7, there some long range global ensembles are hinting at a return to a more active pattern, but it's way too early to get into the details of any storm potential for right now.

AVIATION /00Z TAFS THROUGH 00Z THURSDAY/

Issued at 624 PM CDT Tue Apr 28 2026

Aviation concerns are expected to remain on the low side through the next 24 hours.

Cold front has finally pushed completely out of KS with surface high pressure continuing to work-in from the north. So we are expected another cool night across the area. Some low VFR clouds will remain in place early this evening, but should clear by around 03z. Winds will remain out of the north through this TAF period, and will also remain on the light side.

ICT WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

Frost Advisory from 1 AM to 9 AM CDT Wednesday for KSZ032-033- 047>049.