926 FXUS63 KICT 101921 AFDICTArea Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Wichita KS 221 PM CDT Fri Oct 10 2025
.KEY MESSAGES...
- Above-normal temperatures continuing into this weekend with increasing southerly winds.
- Rain chances expected to return Sunday night into Monday with better chances on Monday morning.
- Near-normal temperatures to start the week before above normal temperatures return.
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.DISCUSSION... Issued at 219 PM CDT Fri Oct 10 2025
Currently, there is upper-level ridging with the ridge axis extending down from the Northern to the Southern Plains, resulting in northwesterly flow aloft in our area. At the surface, a cold front is draped across central KS. This front is expected to push farther south tonight near the KS/OK border. However, this front is not expected to bring cooler temperatures. With upper-level ridging in place, drier weather and above-normal temperatures will continue to persist into the weekend. Afternoon highs are expected to climb into the mid to upper 80s on Saturday and Sunday, which is 10-15 degrees above normal for this time of year. This ridge will shift slightly east on Saturday afternoon causing the front to lift back north. In addition, a strong pressure gradient will develop by Saturday afternoon, increasing southerly winds at the surface. Sustained winds will likely be between 15-25 mph with gusts up to 30- 35 mph especially in central KS on Saturday afternoon. A deep upper- level trough over the western CONUS will begin to approach the Northern Plains by Sunday morning. In our area, this will further strengthen the pressure gradient causing sustained southerly winds around 20-25 mph with gusts up to 35-40 mph over much of central and south-central KS on Sunday afternoon.
This upper-level trough will push a cold front into Kansas on Sunday night, increasing chances for precipitation Sunday night into Monday. However, better rain chances are expected on Monday morning, though given model discrepancy, there is still uncertainty with location and coverage. PWAT values are generally expected to be above 1.4" which is about 200% greater than normal for this time of year. This will lead to efficient rainfall for any shower or storm that develops. Given generally less than 200 J/kg of instability is forecast, mainly rain showers and maybe a few embedded storms are expected. Strong to severe storms are not anticipated. Following the front, cooler temperatures are expected on Monday and Tuesday. Afternoon highs will be in the 60s to 70s which is closer to near normal temperatures on Monday and Tuesday.
By Wednesday, another deep upper-level trough is expected to dig into the southwest CONUS, returning westerly to southwesterly flow aloft in our area. At the surface, southerly flow will return along with above normal temperatures in the upper 70s to lower 80s.
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.AVIATION /18Z TAFS THROUGH 18Z SATURDAY/... Issued at 1232 PM CDT Fri Oct 10 2025
VFR conditions through the TAF period. A weak boundary is moving south through the area leading to a brief period of light and variable winds as southwesterly winds turn northeast for the evening/overnight period. Winds will increase and turn out of the south on Saturday morning.
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.ICT WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... None.
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DISCUSSION...GC AVIATION...AMD
NWS ICT Office Area Forecast Discussion