Has Wichita seen the last of hot summer weather? What one forecaster says about fall
Wichitans can expect lower-than-average temperatures in the coming days after a summer of record-breaking heat. But does the cool down mean the end of hot summer weather?
“The chances of seeing another 100-degree day are very, very small,” Kevin Darmofal, forecaster for the National Weather Service in Wichita, said. “I doubt we’ll see another 100-degree day the rest of the year. Could we see another 90-degree day or two? I mean, it’s definitely possible.”
As for this week’s weather, Darmofal said while the heat won’t break any records, the area is seeing temperatures just a little below average.
“It’s a little below normal, which we haven’t seen in quite a while,” he said. “It’s definitely normal this time of year to get some cooler, Canadian air in here because we’re starting to transition to fall.”
Monday will see a high near 69 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the NWS forecast. The week will continue with the semi-cool temperatures, seeing highs in the 70s. The official forecast from NWS is:
- Tuesday: Sunny with a high around 76 and a low of 53
- Wednesday: Partly sunny with a high of 76 and a low of 58
- Thursday: Mostly cloudy and a chance of showers with a high of 71 and low of 57
- Friday: Mostly cloudy and a chance of showers with a high of 73 and a low of 57
- Saturday: Sunny with a high around 77 and a low of 56
- Sunday: Sunny and a high around 79 degrees
While Wichita will keep seeing cooler temperatures compared to August’s heatwave, the area will warm up just a bit starting next week, Darmofal said.
“As we get into the weekend and early next week, temperatures will warm up into the lower 80s, so about normal,” the forecaster noted.
Going into the middle and later part of September, Darmofal said will get a little warmer than average, “but nothing like we’ve seen.”
The federal Climate Prediction Center has most of Kansas seeing “near normal” temperatures in its six- to 10-day outlook. Meanwhile, the monthly temperature outlook predicts the state experiencing “likely above normal” temperatures.
Is Kansas still experiencing drought-like conditions?
The area is also seeing some rain Monday. The rainfall, in addition to cooler temperatures, could help with the drought, Darmofal said, but probably not long-term.
“It’s not going to be a drought buster,” the forecaster said. “As for seeing an extended period of wet weather, we’re still not really seeing that, you know, we need several inches ... a little bit more frequently and we’re not really seeing that in the forecast.”
The U.S. Drought Monitor, last updated with data from Sept. 5, shows the majority of the state still under drought-like conditions. The majority of Sedgwick County is seeing “severe drought,” while a portion is in the “extreme drought” zone.
