Wichita, south central Kansas under tornado watch. Here’s what to expect tonight
Conditions similar to those that produced damaging tornadoes in eastern Kansas on Monday are expected to move west through the plains Tuesday, putting Sedgwick County under a severe weather threat and a tornado watch.
The storm system is set to bring scattered thunderstorms Tuesday evening, some of which could become severe, Meteorologist Andy Kleinsasser with National Weather Service Wichita said. While not every part of the region will see a storm, the forecaster said the environment is capable of producing large hail, damaging winds and even a few tornadoes.
“Not everyone’s going to see a severe thunderstorm, but we do have that threat,” Kleinsasser said. “They had a few tornadoes off to the northeast of us yesterday evening, and some of those same conditions are present this evening for the same kind of volatile weather.”
A tornado watch has been put in effect and will remain active until 11 p.m. Tuesday, unless extended by the National Weather Service. The last time Wichita was under a tornado watch was two weeks ago on April 1.
The tornado watch also covers Butler, Chase, Cowley, Harper, Harvey, Marion and Sumner counties as well as counties in southeast Kansas. Storm chances will be the highest during the early to mid-evening hours Tuesday before tapering off overnight. Gusts will be as high as 34 mph, with south winds blowing between 15 and 25 mph.
By Wednesday, conditions will improve slightly in Wichita with highs in the lower 80s, though showers and thunderstorms will be possible after 1 p.m. The more significant severe weather that day, Kleinsasser said, is expected to primarily affect areas east of the Turnpike.
Thursday should bring sunny skies with highs in the 80s, with showers and thunderstorms likely again Friday. The weekend, though, should remain sunny and breezy with temperatures in the 60s and 70s.
Residents are urged to stay weather aware ahead of the forecast; additional information and live weather updates can be found on the NWS website.
