High winds, hail forecast for Wichita area as burn ban starts. What to expect
Potential severe weather could bring a mix of hail, damaging winds and possible brief tornadoes to the Wichita area on Tuesday.
The weather service has issued a wind advisory that goes into effect at 10 a.m. Tuesday for central, south central and southeast Kansas. Wind speeds between 25 to 35 mph are expected, with wind gusts of up 50 mph.
During this time, “gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects,” the advisory said. “Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.”
“Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Use extra caution,” the advisory added.
There is a 70% chance of rain and thunderstorms between 10 p.m. Tuesday and 4 a.m. Wednesday, the National Weather Service said Monday.
The worst of the severe weather is expected to be west of Wichita.
Also beginning Tuesday, open burning will not be allowed in Sedgwick, Butler, Chase, Chautauqua, Cowley, Elk, Geary, Greenwood, Johnson, Lyon, Marion, Morris, Pottawatomie, Riley Wabaunsee and Wyandotte counties.
“New open burn permits will not be issued during the month of April, and no current permit holders will be allowed to conduct open burns after March 31, 2025,” a Sedgwick County news release said. “Open burns can resume after May 1, 2025, weather permitting.”
Tuesday’s high is forecast at 73, with a low of 51. Wednesday is expected to be a sunny high of 70, with a low of 48. Thursday will follow closely with a high of 64 and a low of 48. There is a 20-30% chance of rain for Thursday.
Friday and Saturday’s temps are forecast in the 50s, with both days seeing a 50-70% chance of rain.