textproduct: Wichita

KEY MESSAGES

- Dry conditions likely over the next 7 days.

- Gradual warming trend forecast through Tuesday, then cooler conditions possibly returning as soon as Wednesday.

DISCUSSION

Issued at 302 AM CST Sat Jan 10 2026

As of early this morning, the mid/upper trough that was the catalyst for rain and snow across the region yesterday, is swiftly progressing eastward. At the surface, a potent cold front has ushered in cooler air across the region, and temperatures this morning are well into the 20s and 30s, and wind chills in the teens. Later today, copious amounts of sunshine and breezy westerly downslope winds should allow for afternoon temperatures to rise into the 40s and 50s. With ample melting last night, any snow accumulations yesterday should have a minimal impact on temperatures, though a corridor of slightly cooler temperatures is possible between Great Bend, Salina, and Hutchinson. Tonight, light winds from a weak surface ridge translating across the region along with clear skies will support optimal radiational cooling, and overnight lows will dip into the teens and 20s. Across the western CONUS, a stout upper ridge is expected to build, and the eastern periphery of this upper ridge is forecast to nose over the central plains. This will support a warming trend Sunday through Tuesday with widespread highs Tuesday afternoon well into the 60s, about 20 degrees above average for this time of year. After Tuesday, long range ensemble and deterministic guidance suggests the western CONUS ridge will weaken allowing for a northwesterly upper flow regime to set up over the Heartland. This pattern generally supports cooler and drier conditions. As of right now, the forecast for mid-week next week and beyond is for average to slightly below average temperatures and dry conditions.

AVIATION /18Z TAFS THROUGH 18Z SUNDAY/

Issued at 1125 AM CST Sat Jan 10 2026

Breezy/gusty west-northwest winds will encompass the region this afternoon, as the surface pressure gradient tightens ahead of a weak cold front approaching from the north. The winds will slacken by evening, turning light out of the northwest. For Sunday, winds will turn southwesterly by mid-late morning.

ICT WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

None.