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 /12Z TAFS THROUGH 12Z WEDNESDAY/

Issued at 618 AM CDT Tue Oct 20 2026

Southerly winds may gust to around 20 kts at times across central KS while light southerly winds prevail elsewhere. Widely scattered sprinkles or light rain showers will impact the area this morning with another round possible this evening and tonight as a subtle storm system moves across the area, however VFR is expected to prevail with ceilings around 9-10k ft under the more robust shower activity.

ICT WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

None.