Hailey
As winter settles over Kansas, Wichita residents can expect a noticeable temperature shift over the next few days. Today begins on a colder note, but a steady warm-up will arrive just in time for the weekend.
Below is a detailed breakdown of temperatures, wind patterns, and sky conditions for Thursday through Saturday.
Cool Conditions Today Across Wichita
Wichita started Thursday morning with temperatures hovering in the low 20s, and wind chills bringing the “feels-like” values down into the mid-teens.
Light northerly winds around 7 to 10 mph helped reinforce the colder air mass that moved into the region overnight.
- Morning Low: Around 21°F
- Expected High: Near 34°F
- Wind Chill: Approximately 14–16°F
- Sky Conditions: Mostly cloudy early, transitioning to partly clear by evening
- Evening Low: Around 25°F
These lower-than-normal temperatures are typical of early December, as Wichita often experiences sharp cold fronts during this period.
With limited sunshine and persistent cold air, today stays firmly on the chilly side before moderating patterns take over.
Warming Trend Begins Friday
Beginning Friday, a shift in upper-level winds will allow warmer air to flow into Kansas. This will lead to a noticeable rebound with afternoon highs approaching the upper 40s.
Friday Highlights
- Morning Low: Near 28°F
- Afternoon High: Around 47–49°F
- Sky Conditions: Mostly sunny to partly cloudy
- Wind: Light south winds at 5–8 mph
The increase in sunshine combined with southerly winds will help temperatures recover. Friday is expected to be the first of two milder-than-average days before another cool-down arrives late in the weekend.
Saturday Brings the Weekend Warmth
Saturday will be the warmest day of this forecast period, offering a pleasant break from the winter chill.
Saturday Highlights
- Morning Low: Around 28°F
- Daytime High: Near 50°F
- Sky Conditions: Mostly sunny
- Winds: South to southwest at 6–9 mph
The Saturday warm-up will be especially welcome for outdoor activities. Sunshine is expected to remain dominant through most of the day, with comfortable conditions lasting into early evening.
Forecast Summary
| Day | Morning Low | Afternoon High | Sky Conditions | Wind |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thursday | 21°F | 34°F | Cloudy → Partly clear | N 7–10 mph |
| Friday | 28°F | 47–49°F | Mostly sunny | S 5–8 mph |
| Saturday | 28°F | ~50°F | Mostly sunny | SSW 6–9 mph |
What This Weather Pattern Means for Wichita
The temperature swing from the low 30s to near 50°F is typical for early winter in Kansas, where cold fronts frequently alternate with mild southerly warm-ups.
The next few days will showcase this pattern clearly:
- Thursday: Coldest day of the week
- Friday–Saturday: Milder air returns, bringing pleasant conditions
- Late Weekend: Cooling trend expected again by Sunday
This warm-up is temporary, as winter systems continue developing across the Central Plains. Residents should expect more fluctuations throughout December.
Wichita residents can expect a cold Thursday followed by a comfortable and welcome warm-up on Friday and Saturday.
With temperatures rising into the upper 40s and near 50°F, the upcoming weekend provides a mild break from winter’s chill.
While the warmth will be brief, it offers ideal conditions for outdoor plans before colder weather develops again next week.