Strong Winds and Heavy Rain Possible Tonight; Travelers Heading East Should Stay Alert

November is blowing into northwest Kansas with strong winds, rain and a chance for a few severe storms. A cold front moving through Monday afternoon will bring changing conditions tonight, with colder, windy weather sticking around Tuesday.

According to Decision Weather, the front is expected near the Sharon Springs–Colby–Norton corridor around 3 p.m., with rain and embedded thunderstorms becoming more widespread by 6 p.m. Rain will shift east and northeast through midnight. The greatest rainfall potential is south and east of that corridor, where 1–2 inches could fall.

Strong winds will be a concern even outside thunderstorms. The National Weather Service in Goodland says northwest gusts of 50–60 mph are possible through tonight, particularly west of Kansas Highway 25. Those winds could toss unsecured outdoor items, damage lightweight structures and make driving difficult for semis, campers and other high-profile vehicles.

While widespread severe weather is not anticipated locally, a few thunderstorms could produce 60–75 mph wind gusts this afternoon and evening. Localized flash flooding is also possible overnight, with the greatest storm and flooding concerns east of a Norcatur-to-Selkirk line.

Heading east? Keep a close eye on the forecast along your route. The storm threat increases into central Kansas, where a tornado watch is in effect until 10 p.m. Central Monday for counties including Ellis, Russell, Saline and Sedgwick. That includes the Hays, Russell, Salina and Wichita areas. A watch means conditions are favorable for tornadoes, so travelers should be ready to adjust plans and seek shelter if warnings are issued.

Rain is expected to exit Tuesday morning, but colder temperatures and gusty northwest winds will linger, especially through midday. Freezing temperatures return Wednesday morning.

Secure loose outdoor items, use extra caution on the road and never drive through water covering a roadway.

NWKS Radio will be on the air with any severe weather updates to help keep you informed. Stay tuned to your favorite NWKS Radio station as this system moves through.