Kansas, get ready—it’s about to get dangerously cold. An Arctic blast is sweeping through the state, bringing some of the coldest temperatures we’ve seen this season.
With wind chills dropping as low as -25°F (-32°C), just a few minutes outside could leave you shivering, and frostbite can set in within 30 minutes. The National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Cold Warning through Thursday, urging people to take extra precautions against the life-threatening cold.
If you need to be outside, bundle up, cover every inch of exposed skin, and limit time outdoors as much as possible.
How Cold Will It Get?
If you thought winter was starting to ease up—think again. Here’s what to expect across Kansas over the next couple of days:
Topeka:
- Wednesday: High of 9°F (-13°C), overnight low of -18°F (-28°C).
- Thursday: High of 13°F (-11°C), low of -8°F (-22°C).
Wichita:
- Wednesday: High of 8°F (-14°C), overnight low of -9°F (-23°C).
- Thursday: High near 14°F (-10°C), overnight low of 1°F (-17°C).
Kansas City:
- Wednesday: High of 9°F (-13°C), overnight low of -9°F (-23°C).
- Thursday: High of 14°F (-10°C), overnight low of 1°F (-17°C).
The cold alone is bad enough, but add in strong winds, and it’ll feel even worse.
Wind chills will make it feel like -25°F at times, meaning exposed skin can develop frostbite in less than 30 minutes!
Why Is It So Cold?
This deep freeze is thanks to an Arctic air mass pushing down from Canada, bringing:
Bitter wind chills making it feel even colder than what the thermometer says.
Clear skies at night allowing temps to drop even further.
No fresh snow, but any existing snow will keep surfaces icy and roads slick.
What You Need to Know to Stay Safe
Be Careful on the Roads
- Any moisture on the roads will freeze overnight, leading to black ice and slippery conditions.
- Bridges, overpasses, and untreated roads will be especially dangerous.
Frostbite Can Happen FAST
- With wind chills as low as -25°F, exposed skin can develop frostbite in as little as 30 minutes.
- Cover your face, wear insulated gloves, and layer up if you must go outside.
Keep Your Home Warm & Pipes Safe
- Let faucets drip overnight to prevent pipes from freezing.
- Use space heaters safely—never leave them unattended.
- Have extra blankets and warm clothing ready in case of power outages.
Protect Pets & Livestock
- If it’s too cold for you, it’s too cold for them! Bring pets indoors and make sure livestock has warm shelter and plenty of food.
How Long Will the Deep Freeze Last?
Relief is on the way!
- Friday: A slow warm-up begins, with highs climbing into the low 20s.
- Saturday: Temperatures jump to the upper 30s.
- Sunday: The warm-up continues with highs near 50°F and sunshine!
By next week, Kansas will see much more typical February weather, with highs in the 40s and 50s.
