Honestly, if you’ve spent any time in Neosho County, you know the sky has a personality. It’s not just "the weather." It’s a neighbor that either invites you out for a porch sit or slams the door in your face with a north wind that cuts through denim like it’s tissue paper.
Right now, Chanute is settling into that classic mid-January groove. It’s cold. Really cold. But it’s that specific kind of Kansas cold where the sun is blindingly bright even when the thermometer is struggling to hit 40 degrees.
The Immediate Outlook: Clouds, Sun, and a Bit of Flurries
If you’re looking at the weather forecast Chanute KS for the next few days, Sunday is the day to watch. We’re looking at a high of 46°F, which sounds decent until you see that overnight low of 16°F. That’s a 30-degree drop. Basically, don't leave your garden hose hooked up.
There’s a small chance of snow—about 5% during the day and 10% at night—but we’re talking flurries, not a blizzard. The wind is coming out of the west at 16 mph, so it’ll feel a lot sharper than the number on the screen.
Monday, January 19, takes a dip. High of 29°F. Cloudy. It’s the kind of day that feels gray from start to finish, with a 10% chance of light snow.
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Why Chanute’s Climate is a Bit Weird
Most folks from out of state think Kansas is just one big flat wind tunnel. They aren't entirely wrong, but Chanute sits in that humid subtropical zone (Cfa for the climate nerds out there). This means we get more moisture than the western part of the state.
Historically, January is our driest month. We usually only see about 1.5 inches of precipitation. But when it does hit, it’s often in the form of that fine, powdery snow that the wind loves to whip across Highway 169.
- Record High: 116°F (July 1936)
- Record Low: -23°F (January 1949)
- Average Jan High: 42°F
- Average Jan Low: 24°F
You can see the gap there. We live in the extremes. One day you're in a light jacket at Martin Johnson Airport, and the next you're layering up like an onion just to get the mail.
Looking Toward the Rest of the Week
Tuesday brings the sun back with a high of 47°F. The wind shifts southwest and picks up speed—hitting 21 mph. It’ll be "breezy," which is Kansas-speak for "hold onto your hat."
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Wednesday and Thursday stay fairly consistent, hovering in the 40s and high 30s. It’s remarkably dry. Humidity levels are sticking around 35% to 39%, except for Wednesday when it jumps to 56%.
By Saturday, January 24, we might see some actual "weather." The forecast is calling for light snow during the day and snow showers at night. The high is 44°F, so it might be that slushy, wet stuff that doesn't stick well but makes the roads a mess.
Dealing with the "January Slump"
The sun sets around 5:23 PM these days. It’s short. It’s dark. Honestly, the best way to handle the Chanute winter is to lean into the indoor stuff. Local spots like Grain Bin or some of the downtown cafes become the unofficial town halls when the wind chill hits the single digits.
If you're driving, keep a kit in the trunk. I know, everyone says it. But when you're between Chanute and Humboldt and a sudden "dusting" of snow turns the road into a skating rink, you'll want those extra gloves.
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Actionable Prep for the Week
Check your tire pressure. These 30-degree temperature swings will trigger that annoying dashboard light every single time.
Keep an eye on Tuesday's wind. 21 mph from the southwest is enough to blow over empty trash bins or loose patio furniture.
Plan your outdoor errands for Tuesday or Friday. Those are your "warm" windows before the Saturday snow chances kick in. Friday looks the best for getting stuff done, with a high of 48°F and mostly sunny skies.
Winter here isn't about the snow totals; it's about the wind and the rapid changes. Stay weather-aware, keep the heater hummin', and remember that spring in Kansas is only a few months—and about fifty more temperature swings—away.