Wichita can expect stormy close to the week, forecasters say

Weather forecasters expect an eventful close to the week as multiple rounds of storms approach the Wichita area into Friday, but then expect a dry weekend.

James Cuellar, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Wichita, said Wednesday morning’s showers were expected to stop as we move into the afternoon, though a fresh round of storms will likely move into the area in the early-morning hours on Thursday.

“We’re looking at the next round of storms, coming in from the west, to arrive after midnight, but maybe not until 6 a.m. or later (on Thursday),” Cuellar said. “It’s looking like heavy rainfall with those storms, but we could have gusty winds and some localized flooding. We can’t rule out the possibility of some lightning strikes and isolated tornadoes.”

From Thursday night into Friday morning, Cuellar said another round of storms could produce large hail and damaging winds in the Wichita area, though he said the weekend is then expected to kick off a prolonged period of calm skies in the area.

“One of the biggest concerns in the next couple of days will be flooded roadways in some places,” Cuellar said. “Drivers should remember to turn around if they encounter flooded roads.”

Cuellar said the high temperatures for Wichita will approach 80 degrees on Wednesday.