textproduct: Wichita

KEY MESSAGES

- Below normal temperatures through Monday; above normal temperatures for Tuesday and beyond

- Very high fire danger possible Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday

- Next chance for precipitation arrives late Wednesday into Thursday

DISCUSSION

Issued at 340 AM CST Sun Feb 22 2026

As of 330 AM Sunday morning, a midlevel trough continues to amplify across the mid and upper MS Valley with a gradual increase of midlevel heights across the central and southern Plains. An area of surface high pressure will remain across the forecast area today through Monday. This will promote light winds and below normal temperatures in the 30s and 40s. The area of surface high pressure will shift east late Monday into Monday night, allowing southerly low-level flow to return. This will promote a warming trend with temperatures returning to the 60s for Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons. Mid to long range guidance continues to track a shortwave trough southeastward across the central Plains late Wednesday into Thursday. This passage may provide the next potential for light rain showers.

AVIATION /12Z TAFS THROUGH 12Z MONDAY/

Issued at 516 AM CST Sun Feb 22 2026

VFR conditions are expected throughout the TAF period. Northerly winds will increase by 14-15Z to 10-15 kt with a few gusts near 20 kt at CNU. Winds will decrease to less than 10 kt around 00Z.

FIRE WEATHER

Issued at 340 AM CST Sun Feb 22 2026

Strong south to southwest of 15-20 mph with gusts up to 25 mph combined with relative humidity values of 20-30% will support very high fire danger for areas generally southeast of the KS Turnpike Tuesday afternoon. Similar weather conditions are forecast for Friday and Saturday, supporting additional afternoons of very high fire danger.

ICT WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

None.