Warm with a risk of storms in the evening

TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) – Today feels like summer again with the threat of storms tonight, some of which could be strong to severe. This is due to a cold front that will bring more fall-like temperatures to the region on Friday and Saturday before warming up again on Sunday. Not everyone will get rain this evening, the highest chance of rain will remain near and south of the highway.

Take action:

1. There is an increased fire danger as the work week ends, with wind gusts of 20-35 mph at times, and as winds move away from the cold front this evening, existing fires could quickly grow out of control. Burning outdoors is not recommended.
2. Storm development is possible any time from 6 to 8 p.m. Most storms will occur along a line from Hiawatha down to Topeka and Emporia and areas to the east. Some storms may be strong to severe, with the threat of hail and wind. Lightning is generally the biggest concern. So if you're outside this evening, seek shelter immediately if you see lightning and/or hear thunder.
3. Patchy frost cannot be ruled out Saturday morning with lows in the mid to upper 30s. Freezing is unlikely to occur but should continue to be monitored.

After a warm start to the week in the 80s, rising and falling temperatures appear to continue. Highs yesterday were in the low 70s, today we're back into the 80s before dropping closer to 70° if not into the 60s tomorrow and Saturday. Rain is expected this evening, but we know it will remain dry across northeast Kansas.

Today: There are only a few clouds this morning, otherwise there will be plenty of sun for most of the day. Highs will be in the low 80s near the Nebraska border, with most areas in the mid to upper 80s. Wind force SE/S 10-20, gusts around 30 mph.

Tonight: Storms are likely to occur before midnight, particularly along and south of the Turnpike. Lows will be in the upper 40s to mid 50s. Winds S/NW 5-15 gusts about 25 mph.

Morning: Sunny. Highs in the upper 60s. Wind force 10-15 N, gusts around 25 mph.

A nice weekend lies ahead of us. It will feel more like fall on Saturday, with easterly winds of 5 to 10 mph before switching south on Sunday, still at 5 to 10 mph, but highs in the 70s. Great weather is expected, including in Manhattan for the Sunflower Showdown at 7 p.m., with temperatures in the 50s (59 degrees at kickoff and 52 degrees toward the end of the game) and winds around 5 mph.

Winds will be strong Monday and likely continue through Wednesday, with gusts that could be near wind advisory criteria and highs in the 80s with lows in the 50s and 60s early in the week. A storm system will be monitored for showers/storms Wednesday through Wednesday night, which may remain along and south of the Turnpike again (similar to tonight), but that is subject to change, so check back for updates.

Right now, Halloween looks dry and seasonal, with highs in the 60s, but it appears the rain will return Thursday evening (likely after midnight) and continue into Saturday at times with heavy rain at times.

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