Wichita Weather Alert: Friday Strong Storms Could Bring Gusty Winds Before Clear and Sunny Weekend
WICHITA, KANSAS — The National Weather Service in Wichita is tracking a brief round of thunderstorms expected to move through south-central Kansas late Friday, bringing gusty winds, lightning, and scattered downpours before a stretch of clear and sunny weather settles in for the weekend.
Gusty Winds and Friday Night Storms
Forecasters say showers and isolated thunderstorms could develop Friday afternoon and continue into early Saturday morning, affecting areas from McPherson to Wichita.
South winds will increase to 10–15 mph with gusts near 25 mph, which could make driving along I-35 and the Kansas Turnpike a bit challenging during the height of the storms. Brief downpours may also reduce visibility in some areas.
Despite the blustery conditions, widespread severe weather is not expected. The primary concerns will be brief wind gusts and localized lightning as the front sweeps through the region.
Weekend Brings Clear Skies and Comfortable Fall Weather
Once the front moves east overnight Friday, skies will clear quickly, ushering in a classic fall weekend. Saturday will bring plenty of sunshine, with highs near the upper 70s and light north breezes.
By Sunday, cooler air will filter in, dropping highs into the mid-60s with calm, dry conditions — perfect for outdoor activities, local football games, or visiting pumpkin patches and fall festivals.
Morning lows are expected to dip into the 40s, signaling the steady transition toward late-autumn weather across central Kansas.
Extended Outlook: Calm and Bright Into Next Week
The fair weather pattern should hold into early next week, with sunny skies and light winds dominating the forecast. Highs will climb back into the upper 70s by Monday, while overnight lows stay cool and comfortable.
Five-Day Forecast for Wichita, KS:
Thursday: 80°/63° – Sunny; breezy south winds.
Friday: 83°/60° – Increasing clouds; storms likely late.
Saturday: 79°/45° – Morning showers; sunny and mild.
Sunday: 66°/53° – Clear and cool; perfect for outdoor plans.
Monday: 78°/54° – Sunny; warmer with light winds.
Residents are encouraged to secure outdoor decorations and monitor local forecasts through Friday night, as isolated thunderstorms pass before central Kansas enjoys a long stretch of near-perfect fall weather.
Stay updated on more Kansas weather alerts, storm forecasts, and regional climate news at NapervilleLocal.com, your trusted source for community weather coverage.

I’ve lived in Naperville long enough to see how quickly our community changes — from new developments downtown to sudden shifts in our Midwest weather. Reporting on Naperville news and daily forecasts gives me the chance to keep neighbors informed about what really matters. My goal is simple: deliver clear, timely updates so you always know what’s happening in our city and what to expect from the skies above.