Dangerous wind and fire conditions headed to Kansas. What we know
Meteorologists are warning residents of dangerous winds and an increased risk for extreme grassland fires across south-central Kansas on Thursday.
The last time the region experienced similar weather conditions, a dust storm caused a 71-vehicle collision, one of the deadliest accidents in recent Kansas history.
As early as midnight Wednesday, Wichita could see gusts up to 50 mph, Gabbie Christo, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Wichita, said.
The winds are going to ramp up throughout the morning, reaching a peak around 1 to 2 p.m. Wind gusts can reach from 45-60 mph in the Wichita area and over 60 mph just west of Russell, according to the NWS. Sustained winds will be in the high 30s at the peak.
By sunset Thursday, Christo said, the gusts will dissipate.
“After sunset, it’s almost like turning everything off,” Christo said.
There’s also concern for fire and blowing dust, similar to the conditions that caused a March dust storm and multi-vehicle pile-up on I-70, Christo said.
Eight people died and more than 30 were injured in the 71-plus-vehicle accident between Goodland and Colby in western Kansas. Between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Thursday, similar winds and blowing dust may impact visibility, especially along I-70 west of Salina, a Wednesday evening report from the National Weather Service read.
Wichita’s National Weather Service advised that residents secure loose objects, doors and windows. They also recommended that drivers brace for cross winds and flying objects.
This story was originally published December 17, 2025 at 9:08 PM.
