If you stepped outside today in Wichita, you probably felt that sharp, northwest wind smack you right in the face. It's mid-January. It’s Kansas. Honestly, we shouldn't be surprised, but after a few milder days, this current chill feels like a personal insult from the atmosphere.
Right now, we are looking at a wichita ks 7 day weather forecast that is basically a rollercoaster of "wear a parka" one day and "maybe just a light jacket" the next. As of Saturday, January 17, 2026, the current temp is sitting at a crisp 16°F. But that’s the "official" number. With the northwest wind kicking at 10 mph, the real-feel is closer to 5°F.
Bundle up. Seriously.
What to Expect: Wichita KS 7 Day Weather Forecast Breakdown
Kansas weather is famous for its mood swings. One minute you're enjoying a sunny afternoon at Sedgwick County Zoo, and the next, you're scraping ice off your windshield at Eisenhower National Airport. Here is the play-by-play for the next week so you can actually plan your life.
The Immediate Outlook (The Cold Snap)
Today, Saturday, we aren't seeing much relief. We’ve got a high of 26°F and a low dipping down to 14°F. It’s sunny, which is a bit of a lie because that sun isn't doing much to fight the 19 mph northwest winds.
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Tomorrow, Sunday, January 18, things take a weird turn. We jump up to a high of 48°F. That’s a 22-degree swing in 24 hours! It'll be partly sunny, but don't get too comfortable. The low is still a biting 18°F, and we’ve got a 10% chance of some light snow flurries during the day and night.
The Mid-Week Seesaw
Monday keeps us on our toes with a high of only 28°F. It’s going to be cloudy, and there is a 20% chance of snow. If you’re commuting on Kellogg, keep an eye out for slick spots, though we aren't expecting a total "Snowpocalypse" just yet.
By Tuesday and Wednesday, the sun stages a comeback.
- Tuesday, Jan 20: Sunny with a high of 47°F and a low of 26°F.
- Wednesday, Jan 21: Even better—high of 48°F and a low of 27°F.
These two days are your best bet for getting outside or finally taking down those Christmas lights you’ve been ignoring. The wind drops to a gentle 6 mph by Wednesday, which is basically a dead calm by Kansas standards.
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Preparing for the Weekend Shift
As we head into the end of the week, the clouds return. Thursday and Friday will hover in the mid-40s.
- Thursday: High 44°F, Low 28°F, partly sunny.
- Friday: High 46°F, Low 25°F, with a mix of sun and clouds.
The real story, though, is next Saturday, January 24. The models are showing a high of only 24°F and a low of 10°F. We’re looking at a 25% chance of snow showers during the day, transitioning into a rain-snow mix at night. It looks like another arctic push is coming through to remind us that winter isn't over.
Why January in Wichita is Such a Headache
Look, I’ve lived through enough ICT winters to know that the "average" temperature of 43°F for January is a total myth. Or rather, it’s a mathematical average that rarely happens in real life. You either get 60 degrees or 10 degrees.
The National Weather Service office here in Wichita (shout out to the folks at KICT) always points out that our position in the Plains makes us a playground for air masses. We’ve got cold, dry air from Canada sliding down and occasionally clashing with whatever moisture manages to crawl up from the Gulf.
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When you check the wichita ks 7 day weather forecast, you aren't just looking at numbers; you're looking at a battleground.
The Wind Factor
In Wichita, the wind is a permanent resident. Even on a "calm" day, it’s usually blowing at 10-15 mph. This week, we see those northwest winds hitting up to 19 mph today, which is what pushes our wind chill into the single digits. Humidity is relatively low, around 29% to 35% early in the week, so it’s that dry, "chap-your-lips-in-five-seconds" kind of cold.
Practical Tips for the Week Ahead
Since we’re staring down some sub-freezing nights, here’s the "I actually live here" advice:
- Drip those faucets: On Monday and next Saturday nights when we hit the teens, don’t risk a frozen pipe. It's cheaper than a plumber.
- Check your tires: Cold air makes tire pressure drop. If your "low air" light came on this morning, it’s not a glitch. It’s physics.
- Layering is a lifestyle: On Sunday, you’ll need a heavy coat in the morning and a light one by 3 PM. Keep both in the car.
- Pet Safety: If it’s too cold for you to stand outside in a t-shirt, it’s too cold for your dog to be out there for long. Bring them in.
This wichita ks 7 day weather forecast shows we’ve got a few decent afternoons coming up mid-week. Take advantage of that Wednesday warmth before the snow chances return next weekend. Stay warm, Wichita.
Next Steps for You:
Check your outdoor spigots today to ensure hoses are disconnected before the low of 14°F tonight. If you have travel plans for next Saturday, January 24, keep a close eye on the snow shower percentage, as a 25% chance in Kansas can easily turn into a messy commute if the timing shifts.