Severe weather this afternoon, tornadoes possible

On October 30, 2024By Littum

TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) – Be aware of the weather today with today’s risk of severe weather, storms could be intense, especially for several areas during the evening commute. A cold front will push through the area, which also means that areas especially west of HWY 75 will begin to experience dropping temperatures late this morning into the afternoon with most locations in the 50s and 60s by 5:00 p.m. The good news is that it will be dry for Halloween, but the rain will return this weekend.

Action:

Storm is likely this afternoon. The only question is how severe they will be and what severe weather parameters will accompany the storms. All hazards are in play (hail, wind, tornadoes), so be aware of the weather any time after 8 p.m. 12.00, but definitely in the time frame at 15.00-21.00.
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The rain returns this weekend into early next week with strong to severe storms being monitored, especially on Sunday.
Trick or treaters will be treated to temperatures in the 50s/upper 40s tomorrow night with light winds and dry conditions.
Daylight saving time ends this weekend: good time to check and replace the batteries in your smoke detectors and your weather radio.

An unusually high risk of severe weather for this time of year is forecast for today as a cold front moves through the area. The good news is that it won’t last long after sunset, but the bad news is that it will affect some places for the evening commute, whether it’s coming home from work or kids coming home from school. The timing is subject to change, but the biggest likelihood of concern is west of HWY 75. Areas along and east of the highway may not see storms until closer to 8 p.m. 17-18. Check back throughout the day for updates on the latest timing.

Today: A few showers/storms in north central KS this morning, not expected to be violent. Storms that could be severe are possible in north central KS anytime after 1:00 PM with storms continuing to increase in coverage and intensity throughout the afternoon. Highs in the 70s everywhere, but areas west of HWY 75 will see afternoon temperatures drop into the 50s and 60s. Wind S 15-25, gusting up to 40 mph out ahead of the front, northwest wind 10-20, gusting around 25 mph behind the front.

Tonight: Storms likely before 11 PM, mainly along and east of HWY 75. Lows in the mid 40s. Wind SW/NW 10-20, gusting around 25 mph.

Tomorrow (Halloween): Few clouds early otherwise lots of sun. Gusts may still be 20-25 mph in the morning, but in the afternoon winds will be 5-10 mph out of the northwest.

Coolest temperatures are expected Friday morning in the mid-upper 30s with highs in the mid-60s, for another day to dry out.

This weekend into early next week will be very unsettled with several rounds of showers and storms in the area. For the next 8 days, many spots will be in the 3-6″ range of precipitation. Due to all the rounds of rain that should limit the flooding potential, but still something to monitor.