Severe storms likely later today

WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) – Meteorologist Jake Dunne says a strong cold front will sweep across Kansas today, setting the stage for strong to severe storms. Any storms through noon could be strong and possibly severe, but most will bring heavy rain, lightning and not much else. A second round of storms between 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM, mainly along and east of I-135, has a higher chance of producing large, damaging winds and an isolated tornado.

The winds will decrease and all the storms will clear, leaving us with a calm, but much cooler, Halloween holiday. Afternoon temperatures in the upper 50s and lower 60s will drop to the upper 40s and lower 50s by 9 p.m.

After a breezy and milder Friday in the mid 60s, a new storm system will move into the state Friday evening and Saturday. While no severe weather is expected, showers and storms are a safe bet throughout Kansas.

Looking ahead… the uncertain weather pattern promises to continue early next week. Additional showers and storms are possible, if not likely, on Sunday, Monday and perhaps Election Day. In addition to the wet weather, cooler (than normal) temperatures are likely next week.

WICHITA AREA FORECAST:

Today: mostly cloudy, windy; heavy storm after 2 p.m. Wind: S 20-30; windy. High: 78.

Tonight: Decreasing clouds and wind. Wind: NW 10-20; windy. Low: 42.

Tomorrow: Sunny and cooler. Wind: N 5-15. High: 60.

Fri: Low: 39. High: 70. Mostly sunny, breezy; chance of storms tonight.

Sat: Low: 54. High: 66. Morning storms, otherwise cloudy.

Sun: Low: 58. High: 67. Morning storms, then cloudy and windy.

Mon: Low: 59. High: 68. Cloudy, windy; afternoon showers and storms.

Tue: Low: 42. High: 60. Morning showers, then clearing.