Wichita Shivers: Near-Record Cold Snap Grips Kansas, Shattering Lows
Staff Editor Wichita Narrowly Misses Record Low as Cold Front Sweeps Kansas
Wichita experienced a chilly Wednesday morning as temperatures dipped to 30 degrees, just three degrees shy of breaking the record low for October 16. The current record of 27 degrees was set in 1966, according to weather records dating back to 1888.
While Wichita’s record remained intact, other parts of Kansas saw their weather milestones. Chanute, one of the state’s four official weather recording sites, broke its previous October 16 record with a low of 27 degrees, surpassing the 28-degree mark set in 1943. Salina tied its record low of 24 degrees, originally established in 1966, though this tie is still pending official confirmation.
Meteorologist James Cuellar noted that this early freeze arrived approximately nine days earlier than usual. “The average first freeze in Wichita typically occurs around October 25, based on data from 1991 to 2020,” Cuellar explained. He described the weather event as a “powerful cold front from the Northern Plains,” marking the coldest morning since March 27.
Despite the frigid start, temperatures rebounded to the 60s by late Wednesday afternoon. The forecast for the remainder of the week promises more seasonal conditions, with lows in the 50s and highs in the 70s, aligning closer to the normal high of 71 degrees for this time of year.
Looking ahead, residents can expect some precipitation. There’s a possibility of rain Friday night into Saturday morning, primarily affecting areas west of Wichita. Additionally, up to a quarter-inch of rain is anticipated Sunday night into Monday morning.
As Kansas transitions into autumn, this early cold snap serves as a reminder of the region’s variable weather patterns and the potential for unexpected temperature swings.
