If you’ve lived in the Sunflower State for more than five minutes, you know the drill. One day you’re scraping a thick sheet of ice off your windshield at 7:00 AM, and by Tuesday, you’re considering if it’s "shorts weather" because the thermometer hit 45. Honestly, it’s a mood. Looking at the current 10 day weather forecast for topeka ks, we are right in the thick of that classic Kansas winter zig-zag.
Right now, Topeka is sitting at a crisp 18°F, but let’s be real—the 3°F feels-like temperature is the only number that actually matters if you’re heading out to Gage Park or just grabbing coffee. Northwest winds are whipping at 18 mph, making that "partly sunny" sky feel a lot less friendly than it looks through a window.
💡 You might also like: Preparing Nopales: What Most People Get Wrong About Cooking Cactus
The Immediate Outlook: Freezing Starts and Sudden Jumps
Today, Saturday, January 17, 2026, isn't breaking any records for warmth. We are looking at a high of 18°F and a low dipping down to 9°F tonight. There is a 35% chance of snow during the day, so if you see a few flakes, don't be shocked. But here is where it gets weird.
Sunday is going to try its hardest to trick you. The high is expected to jump all the way to 44°F. That is a massive swing from today’s freezing reality. However, the wind isn't quitting; it’ll be coming out of the west at 22 mph. It’s that biting Kansas wind that reminds you January isn't done with us yet.
Monday, January 19, takes us right back down. The high drops to 24°F under mostly cloudy skies. It’s basically a weather-induced rollercoaster.
Mid-Week Stability (If You Can Call It That)
By Tuesday and Wednesday, things settle into a somewhat predictable pattern for a Topeka January.
Tuesday, January 20, sees a return to 44°F, while Wednesday follows closely with a high of 43°F.
These are the days to get your errands done.
Humidity is hovering around 54% to 55%, and the UV index is staying low at a 2, so you won't need the heavy-duty sunscreen, but you’ll definitely need the lip balm.
Thursday, January 22, keeps the trend going with another 43°F high.
But keep an eye on Friday, January 23.
The temperature starts its descent again, hitting 38°F for the high and a chilly 14°F for the overnight low.
📖 Related: What Can I Make With Noodles? How to Save Dinner Without Even Trying
The 10-Day Tail End: Watching the Horizon
As we move into next weekend, the 10 day weather forecast for topeka ks suggests we might be heading back into the freezer.
Saturday, January 24, is looking cloudy with a high of only 21°F.
Sunday, January 25, brings a 20% chance of light snow and a high of 24°F.
By the time we hit Monday, January 26, we are looking at 32°F and mostly cloudy skies.
Basically, the next week and a half is a game of "layer up, layer down."
A Quick Breakdown of What’s Coming:
- Warmest Day: Sunday, Jan 18 & Tuesday, Jan 20 (both 44°F)
- Coldest Day: Today, Jan 17 (18°F)
- Snow Chances: Today (35%) and next Sunday (20%)
- Wind Alert: Watch out for Sunday's 22 mph gusts
Why Kansas Weather Does This
People love to blame the "Blue Hills" or some local legend, but it’s really just about Topeka's spot on the map. We are right in the path of cold Arctic air diving south and warmer air trying to creep up from the Gulf. When they fight, we get a Tuesday that feels like spring and a Saturday that feels like the North Pole.
Experts at the National Weather Service often point out that January is historically our driest month, but when we do get moisture, it’s usually in the form of that fine, powdery snow that the wind loves to blow around. This 10-day stretch fits that mold perfectly—low precipitation chances, but plenty of cold air and wind.
Survival Tips for the Next 10 Days
Don't let the 44-degree days fool you into putting your heavy coat in the back of the closet. Keep the ice scraper in the car; those overnight lows of 9°F and 10°F mean frost is a guarantee. If you’re a gardener, ignore any "early thaw" vibes—we are still deep in the danger zone for plants.
Most importantly, watch the wind chill. A 40-degree day with a 20 mph wind feels significantly different than a calm 30-degree day.
To stay ahead of the curve, check your tire pressure tonight. These sudden drops in temperature (like the one from Sunday to Monday) are notorious for triggering those annoying "low tire" sensors. Keeping an emergency kit with a blanket and some extra gloves in the trunk is just basic Topeka common sense at this point.