Weather News

Prepare for spring in Wichita: Tornado season, allergies, birds, eclipse and more

By Wichita Eagle Service Journalism Team, with Nota AI summarization

April 1, 2024 9:17 AM

Spring has arrived in Wichita. Here’s what you need to know about preparing for tornado season, tackling lawn care tasks, the creatures out and about this season and where to catch the April 8 solar eclipse. Jaime Green The Wichita Eagle

It’s spring in south-central Kansas, and our service journalism team has worked hard to provide you with vital information on getting the most out of the increasingly warm weather.

To better help you prepare for and enjoy spring in Wichita, The Eagle rounded up some of the biggest seasonal topics and summarized them below — including the April eclipse, tornado season and just when you should start tackling lawn care tasks.

Be sure to let us know what you’d like to see next with an email to reporter Lindsay Smith, at lsmith@wichitaeagle.com.

Kansas tornado predictions for 2024: Time to prepare is now

Tornado season is just around the corner, and while recent years have been relatively quiet, it’s still important to be prepared. The National Weather Service recommends having an emergency plan in place as tornadoes can strike as early as mid-March.

Find out what makes tornado seasons severe in Kansas and learn how to stay safe during this unpredictable weather phenomenon.

Story by Wichita Eagle reporter Lindsay Smith, originally published March 6

Wichita ranked worst city for allergies

If you’re one of the many people who suffer from seasonal allergies, living in Wichita might not be the best choice for you. For the second year in a row, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America has named Wichita the worst city in the U.S. to live in if you have allergies.

The foundation analyzed pollen counts, the use of medicine and the number of allergy specialists in the area to determine the ranking.

But what exactly is causing these allergies in Wichita, and how can you treat them? Keep reading to find out.

Story by Wichita Eagle reporter Lindsay Smith, originally published March 25

The red-bellied woodpecker, seen in this file photo, is a common variety seen in Wichita each spring. Steve Wilson swilson@star-telegram.com

Why am I hearing so many woodpeckers this spring?

Spring has sprung, and with it comes the sound of woodpeckers.

As it’s breeding season for the birds, they’re more active than ever. While some species migrate through Kansas, others are yearlong residents, and their pecking can be heard as they claim their territory.

But what do these birds mean for your property? Can they cause damage? And if you want to attract them to your yard, what’s the best way to do so? Read on to find out.

Story by Wichita Eagle reporter Lindsay Smith, originally published March 19

Is it too soon to start planting and lawn care in Kansas?

Spring fever may be in full swing, but before you start your lawn care routine in south-central Kansas, you might want to hold off. The fluctuating temperatures can be harsh on plants, and there is still the possibility of another cold front, which could undo work you’ve already done.

According to Matthew McKernan, horticultural agent for the Sedgwick County Extension Education Center, there are still some things you can do now if you want to get a head start, but it’s important to be mindful of what lawn care to avoid in early spring in Kansas. This article can help you learn more about about best practices for this time of year.

Story by Wichita Eagle reporter Lindsay Smith, originally published Feb. 28

April 8’s total solar eclipse will completely block the sun’s light and create a 115-mile-wide “path of totality” across much of the U.S. Those outside the path will see a partial solar eclipse. NASA Scientific Visualization Studio

The closest places to Wichita to see the rare total solar eclipse

Get ready for a rare total solar eclipse that will pass over Mexico, Canada, and the U.S. on April 8. While Wichita will only see a partial eclipse, there are several cities within driving distance that will see totality. We’ve rounded up the closest locations and estimated hotel prices for those interested in making the trip.

Story by Wichita Eagle reporter Lindsay Smith, originally published March 18

These Kansas cities will have the best view of the April eclipse

This month a rare total solar eclipse will grace the skies of North America. While some states will experience the awe-inspiring phenomenon in its entirety, others, like Kansas, will only witness a partial coverage. Find out which cities in Kansas will have the best view and the percentage of the sun that will be blocked out. Remember to protect your eyes with eclipse glasses or handheld solar viewers if you plan on taking a peek. Don’t miss this celestial event!

Story by Wichita Eagle reporter Lindsay Smith, originally published Feb. 8

This page is a collection of stories reported and written by Wichita Eagle journalists. The roundup was formed using an AI summarization tool and was edited by journalists in the newsroom. Read more on our AI policy here.