Wichita, Kan. - After weeks of unusually warm temperatures, Kansans experienced a major change in weather as rain, cooler temperatures and the possibility of frost moved across the state.
The National Weather Service in Wichita reported on Thursday, Oct. 15 that showers and possible thunderstorms were forecast to move east throughout the day. Forecasters also warned that temperatures could drop into the 30s later that week, bringing the possibility of frost in central and south-central Kansas.
The change in temperature came after an unusually warm September. According to a report published by the Kansas Reflector, statewide temperatures averaged about 77 degrees Fahrenheit through Sept. 29, which is approximately eight degrees above normal. Kansas was approaching a potential record for its warmest September, with overnight temperatures remaining particularly high.
However, the latest forecast signaled a return to more normal or typical fall conditions. Wichita’s forecast called for cooler temperatures following Thursday’s rain, with daytime highs forecast to remain in the upper 50s and low 60s Friday, Oct. 16, and Saturday, Oct. 17. Overnight temperatures were forecast to fall into the 30s, creating conditions favorable for frost.
Rain was also a concern for many parts of the state. The National Weather Service issued a flood watch for the Wichita area through the early afternoon on Thursday, Oct.15. While widespread flooding was not expected, forecasters warned that localized flooding could occur in low-lying areas, particularly in southeastern Kansas.
The sudden temperature change could have affected residents who had grown accustomed to the warmer weather. People who had continued wearing summer clothing may have needed to prepare for colder mornings and evenings. Gardeners were advised to monitor overnight forecasts, as frost can damage sensitive plants.
The changing conditions served as another reminder of how quickly Kansas weather can shift during the fall. Warm temperatures can persist well into October before a cold front brings cooler air across the region. Residents were advised to monitor local forecasts as temperatures changed.
Although cooler weather may have come as a surprise after September’s warmth, the latest forecasts suggested that fall conditions were becoming more noticeable across the state. Kansans and visitors were advised to prepare for cooler days, colder nights and the possibility of frost as the state transitioned away from its unusually warm start to autumn.