Hailey
A strong cold front is sweeping across Kansas tonight, bringing an abrupt end to a stretch of unusually mild January weather. Many parts of the state started the day with morning temperatures in the 20s and 30s, but warm southerly winds have pushed afternoon highs into the upper 50s and 60s, well above the normal mid-January averages.
This warm-up will be short-lived. As the cold front moves south and east through Kansas this evening and overnight, residents will notice a quick change in conditions, including increasing winds, falling temperatures, and a return to more typical winter weather by Wednesday.
Timing Of The Cold Front Across Kansas
Evening And Overnight Transition
The cold front is expected to enter north-central Kansas early this evening, then sweep through central, eastern, and southern Kansas overnight. Ahead of the front, conditions remain mild and breezy. Behind it, winds shift sharply to the north and northwest, signaling the arrival of colder air.
Temperatures will fall steadily overnight, with lows dropping into the upper 20s and 30s by early Wednesday morning, depending on location.
Wind And Temperature Changes To Expect
Gusty Winds Becoming The Main Impact
One of the most noticeable effects of this front will be strong, gusty winds. Sustained north winds of 20 to 30 mph are expected in many areas, with higher gusts possible, especially across open and rural parts of the state.
Sharp Cooldown By Wednesday
After highs in the 60s today, Wednesday afternoon temperatures will struggle to climb:
- Mid to upper 30s in northern Kansas
- Upper 30s to mid 40s in central Kansas
- Low to mid 40s in southern Kansas
The combination of colder air and strong winds will make it feel significantly colder than the actual air temperature.
Rain Chances With The Front
Moisture with this system is limited. However, light rain or sprinkles are possible in parts of northeast and eastern Kansas, mainly this evening as the front moves through. Any rainfall will be brief and light, with most areas seeing little to no accumulation.
Snow is not expected with this particular front, as temperatures aloft remain too warm for widespread wintry precipitation.
Kansas Cold Front Overview
| Weather Factor | Before The Front | During The Front | After The Front |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperatures | Highs in the upper 50s to 60s | Falling quickly overnight | Highs 30s–40s Wednesday |
| Wind Direction | South to southwest | Shifting northwest | Strong north winds |
| Wind Speed | 10–20 mph | 20–30 mph, gusty | Gusty throughout Wednesday |
| Precipitation | Mostly dry | Spotty light rain east | Dry |
| Main Impacts | Unseasonable warmth | Rapid weather change | Colder, wind-chill concerns |
Fire Weather And Travel Considerations
Despite cooler air arriving, elevated fire danger may briefly develop due to low humidity and strong winds, especially in western and central Kansas. Outdoor burning is strongly discouraged during this period.
For drivers, high-profile vehicles may experience difficult travel conditions due to gusty crosswinds, particularly on east–west roads.
Looking Ahead: More Cold Later This Week
This cold front is not the last. Forecast trends show another, stronger push of cold air later this week, reinforcing winter conditions across Kansas. Temperatures are expected to remain below average, with some areas potentially seeing highs only in the 30s heading into the weekend.
While precipitation chances remain low, the persistent cold and wind will make it feel more like January again across the state.
A cold front sweeping across Kansas tonight will bring a dramatic change in weather, replacing today’s spring-like warmth with gusty winds and colder temperatures by Wednesday.
While rain chances are minimal and snowfall is not expected, the sudden cooldown and strong winds will be noticeable statewide. With additional cold air likely later in the week, Kansans should prepare for a return to true winter conditions.