Southwest Kansas is bracing for potentially severe weather late Wednesday, with storms expected to roll in between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. The National Weather Service in Dodge City has issued a Level 2 severe weather risk across much of central and western Kansas—including areas like Garden City, Pratt, and Dodge City itself.
Residents and travelers in the region should stay alert, as these storms could bring damaging winds, large hail, and heavy rainfall—especially during the evening commute.
Storm Timing and Main Threats
The severe weather is expected to develop late in the day on Wednesday, after a hot and sunny afternoon with highs around 91°F. Here’s what to watch out for:
Damaging wind gusts: Potentially exceeding 60 mph
Large hail: Enough to dent vehicles or damage crops
Heavy downpours: May reduce visibility on highways
Communities along U.S. Highway 50 and U.S. Highway 283 should be particularly cautious during the evening, as storms could move quickly and bring sudden changes in weather conditions.
How to Prepare:
Bring in or secure any loose outdoor items (patio furniture, grills, etc.)
Park vehicles in a sheltered area if possible
Review your storm safety plan and identify your nearest safe shelter
Keep phones and weather alert apps fully charged
Post-Storm Outlook: More Rain Possible Later This Week
While the severe weather is expected to fade after sunset as temperatures drop, the weather will remain a bit unsettled through the end of the week. There’s a slight chance of showers late Thursday night into the weekend, though nothing as intense as Wednesday’s storms.
Five-Day Weather Forecast for Dodge City, KS
| Day | Weather | High Temp | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuesday | Becoming sunny | 80°F | Comfortable with a low around 59°F |
| Wednesday | Sunny early, severe storms late | 91°F | Storms likely between 4–8 p.m., low around 55°F |
| Thursday | Sunny, slight chance of night storms | 82°F | 20% chance of rain overnight, low around 58°F |
| Friday | Mostly sunny | 72°F | Cooler and dry, low near 52°F |
| Saturday | Mostly sunny, slight chance of showers | 72°F | Small chance of rain, low around 56°F |
Wednesday could bring some of the strongest storms Dodge City has seen in weeks, so it’s important to take the threat seriously. With wind gusts that could knock down branches and hail big enough to cause damage, preparing early in the day is key. After Wednesday, the weather calms down a bit but still carries some rain chances into the weekend. Keep your eyes on the sky—and your weather alerts on—through the week.
