Meteorologist Dean Jones forecasts scattered severe storms for Saturday evening and overnight, with potential hazards ranging from large hail to damaging winds.

Storm Development and Severity

• Severe storms are anticipated to develop over parts of Colorado between 4-5pm and intensify upon entering western Kansas.
• The Storm Prediction Center is likely to issue a Severe Thunderstorm Watch by late afternoon in anticipation of severe weather.
• Initial threats include hail ranging from golf ball to tennis ball size and wind gusts of 60-70 mph.
• After 7pm, storms are forecasted to consolidate into a convective complex, organizing into a line and advancing eastward into central Kansas.
• Hail threat is expected to diminish while damaging wind threat increases, with gusts of 70-80 mph becoming more common after 9pm through 2am.

Impact and Timing

• Strong to severe storms are projected to move into south-central Kansas after 10pm, with the highest impact between midnight and 3am.
• Storm intensity may weaken as the system progresses into southeast Kansas towards sunrise.

Weekend Weather Outlook

Saturday Forecast

• A break from storms is anticipated for most of Saturday, with more activity expected over eastern Colorado in the afternoon, advancing into western Kansas in the evening.
• Storms are likely to persist into central and eastern Kansas overnight, posing threats of large hail initially, transitioning to damaging winds later.

Temperature and Precipitation

• Highs on Saturday are expected to reach the 80s across most of the state, with mid-90s over south-central Kansas.
• Following a cold front, Sunday will be drier and cooler with highs in the upper 70s.
• Mild weather is forecasted for Monday and Tuesday, with highs in the 70s and low 80s.
• A warming trend towards the end of the week will bring summer heat, with highs in the 90s.

Long-term Outlook

• There’s a slight chance of rain for parts of western and southern Kansas on Tuesday afternoon/evening, with drier conditions expected over the next 7 days.

Wichita Area Forecast

• Today: Becoming partly cloudy and hot. High: 96
• Tonight: Thunderstorms likely, especially after midnight. Low: 66
• Tomorrow: Morning showers, then decreasing clouds. High: 78
• Tomorrow Night: Partly cloudy. Low: 60

Conclusion

Stay weather aware, especially during the evening and overnight hours as severe storms move through the region. For real-time updates and alerts, download The Local News App to your phone.

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