Updated forecast: Wichita could see record snow, stronger winter storm. What to expect when

Wichita has the potential for a record snowfall overnight and into Friday morning and now a higher potential for a stronger winter system with “heavy ... blowing and drifting snow” early next week, the National Weather Service in Wichita said in updated forecasts Thursday.

Snow is forecast to start falling around 3 a.m. Friday. That snow is expected to linger throughout the day until around 5 p.m.

Meteorologists expect Wichita to see between 1 and 3 inches of snow.

“1 to 3 inches of snow is expected south of Interstate 70 with locally higher amounts possible across south central Kansas where 3 to 5 inches are possible,” the NWS in Wichita said in a hazardous weather outlook sent out at 9:53 a.m. Thursday.

Wichita’s record snowfall for a Jan. 5 is 2.6 inches set on Jan. 5, 1929. Records date back to 1888.

Additionally, the NWS in Wichita said Thursday morning, the chances are increasing for a strong winter storm Monday and Tuesday.

“A second and stronger winter system is expected to impact the region early next week, with accumulating snow and blowing snow likely,” the NWS hazardous weather outlook says.

The NWS said “heavy snow, along with blowing and drifting snow is possible.”

This story was originally published January 4, 2024 at 1:10 PM.