textproduct: Wichita

KEY MESSAGES

- Additional shower and thunderstorm chances are expected to develop later this afternoon across central Kansas with chances areawide overnight.

- Hot, well above normal temperatures, next week (Tue-Fri) with highs in the upper 80s to lower 90s.

DISCUSSION

Issued at 235 AM CDT Sat May 9 2026

Currently, a broad trough remains over the northeastern quadrant of the CONUS with a weak shortwave ejecting off to our east over the Middle Mississippi Valley. At the surface, the frontal boundary that passed through our area yesterday is now situated across Oklahoma as a stationary boundary. Temperatures across the area this morning are in the upper 40s and lower 50s. Temperatures will rebound quickly this afternoon ahead of the next frontal boundary that will sweep across the area later tonight. Afternoon highs will reach into the lower to middle 80s areawide.

With the approach of the next frontal boundary later this evening, a few strong to severe storms will be possible ahead of this feature. MUCAPE between 500-1000 J/kg will be limited to locations generally west of K-14, thus the main storm threat will be in western and central Kansas with wind gusts the main concern. As the LLJ develops, scattered rain chances will continue across much of the area the rest of the night and into Sunday morning with a few locations across south-central Kansas potentially receiving some meaningful rainfall up to 0.50". Rain will exit the forecast area by late Sunday morning with clearing skies through the afternoon. Highs on Sunday will be just below normal for this time of year with temperatures topping out in the upper 60s to lower 70s.

Ridging will build in behind the front early in the week. The ridge axis will extend across the Rockies placing us solidly under northwest flow for much of the next week. With rising heights, temperatures will rebound into the 80s to around 90 degrees to start the week. A shortwave looks to dig into the Great Lakes region on Tuesday, dragging a weak boundary across the forecast area by Tuesday night. This will not offer much in terms of cooler temperatures, but may bring isolated precip chances to portions of the forecast area on Tuesday night. Otherwise, dry conditions, above normal temperatures in the 80s to around 90 degrees, and breezy southerly winds will persist for the mid to late week time frame.

AVIATION /06Z TAFS THROUGH 06Z SUNDAY/

Issued at 1147 PM CDT Fri May 8 2026

VFR conditions are largely expected to prevail in central and south central KS through the end of the period, while MVFR/IFR vsbys reside in southeast KS.

Recent observations at PPF/CFV indicate vsbys below 1SM due to low- level moisture encroaching from the south. Model trends indicate these should continue throughout southeast KS through sunrise before gradually mixing out by mid-morning. As such, decided to TEMPO IFR at CNU into the early morning but this may change as conditions continue to present themselves. Elsewhere, VFR ceilings and vsbys should prevail.

Thunderstorms are expected to develop later this afternoon and evening along/ahead of a frontal boundary approaching from the northwest. Decided to introduce PROB30 groups with this cycle for associated impacts in central and south central KS. Stay tuned to upcoming issuances as additional information and observations become available.

ICT WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

None.