38°F
Mostly Cloudy
Air Quality Index: 53 (Moderate)
SPC Convective Outlook: Thunderstorm Risk
Wichita, Kansas, is characterized by a humid subtropical climate, bordering on a humid continental climate. This classification is marked by hot, humid summers and cold, dry winters. The city experiences significant seasonal variation in temperature, making it a quintessential example of the Great Plains climate.
During summer, Wichita typically sees high temperatures averaging around 92°F, with lows around 70°F. Winters are much colder, with average highs near 44°F and lows dropping to about 22°F. Spring and fall are transitional seasons, featuring milder conditions with average highs ranging from the mid-60s to mid-70s and lows between the upper 30s and mid-50s.
The region receives an average annual precipitation of approximately 34 inches, with May and June being the wettest months, each receiving over 4 inches of rain. The driest months are January and February, with less than an inch of precipitation each. Snowfall is a feature of Wichita's winter, averaging about 15 inches annually, primarily occurring from December through February.
Wichita is located within Tornado Alley, making it susceptible to severe thunderstorms and tornadoes, particularly in spring and early summer. The flat terrain of the Great Plains contributes to these phenomena, allowing for the unimpeded movement of weather systems. Wichita's elevation, at about 1,300 feet above sea level, and its central position in North America also influence its climate, contributing to temperature extremes and variability in moisture patterns.