Thunderstorms Return to Kansas as Weather Alert Continues A weather alert remains in effect for Friday as thunderstorms return to central and eastern Kansas, bringing potential hail and strong winds. The first wave of storms is expected to arrive shortly after midnight, with additional activity later in the evening. Conditions are projected to ease by midnight Friday night. While the primary focus is on storm activity in the eastern half of the state, fire hazards will be elevated in southwest Kansas during the afternoon. High temperatures will range from the 40s in the northwest to the 70s across central and eastern regions. Saturday will feature a cooldown, with much of the state experiencing temperatures in the 50s. A significant warming trend is anticipated for Sunday, with highs returning to near 70 degrees. Looking ahead, the week will start with sunny and warm conditions, but a strong cold front is expected to move in Tuesday evening. This will bring additional storms and a risk of severe weather to central and southern Kansas. Wichita's forecast details: Tonight will see showers and storms likely, with southeast winds gusting between 15-25 mph. The low will drop to 57 degrees. Tomorrow, skies will be cloudy early, transitioning to partly cloudy with evening storms. South winds will gust between 15-30 mph, with a high of 72 degrees. Tonight, storms will subside, followed by partly cloudy and breezy conditions. Southwest winds will gust between 15-25 mph, with a low of 35 degrees. Saturday will be mostly sunny with a high of 57 degrees. Sunday will feature sunny skies and a high of 68 degrees, with a low of 32. Monday will bring sunny conditions and a high of 77 degrees, with a low of 48. Tuesday will see a high of 74 degrees and a low of 57, with mostly cloudy skies and evening storms.#thunderstorms #cold_front #kansas #weather_alert #wichita
McConnell Air Force Base Relocates Aircraft Ahead of Severe Weather Threats McConnell Air Force Base in Kansas is moving its aircraft away from the Wichita area today to avoid potential damage from severe weather expected to strike the region on Thursday night and again on Friday night. The base issued a statement confirming the relocation, citing forecasts of severe storms with a slight to enhanced risk of dangerous conditions. These storms could bring severe winds, hail, and the possibility of tornadoes, prompting the Air Force to take preventive measures. Aircrews from the 22nd and 931st Air Refueling Wings are relocating the base’s KC-46A Pegasus and KC-135R Stratotanker aircraft to other military installations across the country. This action aims to ensure the aircraft remain fully operational and available for ongoing missions, as well as future taskings. The move also safeguards the planes from potential damage caused by the approaching severe weather. In addition to relocating the active aircraft, the base is securing all remaining planes that are currently undergoing maintenance. These aircraft, along with various flightline vehicles and equipment, are being stored in hangars. This step prepares the base for a range of possible weather scenarios, ensuring that critical assets are protected while maintaining readiness for any mission requirements. The decision reflects the Air Force’s proactive approach to mitigating risks posed by the forecasted severe weather events.#mcconnell_air_force_base #22nd_air_refueling_wing #kc_46a_pegasus #wichita #kc_135r_stratotanker
