Winter Storm Warnings in Wichita, Kansas
Wichita sits in the heart of the southern Great Plains, where winter weather arrives inconsistently but can turn serious when cold Arctic air pushes down from the north. Across the 13-year period from 2012 through 2024, the city averaged 9.6 inches (24.3 cm) of snowfall per year — a relatively modest total that reflects how often winter storms either weaken before reaching south-central Kansas or deliver rain instead of snow. The snowiest stretch of the season runs through February, January, and December, in that order, when temperatures are most likely to stay cold enough for accumulating snow.
Average winter overnight lows hover around 27.4°F (−2.5°C), meaning the region sits close to the freezing line. That marginal temperature zone is part of why significant snow events are rare — and why, over the analyzed period, days meeting the threshold for heavy or major snowfall averaged out to essentially zero per year.
A winter storm warning issued for the Wichita area signals that forecasters expect dangerous accumulations of snow, sleet, or ice significant enough to disrupt travel and daily life. It is worth noting that warning thresholds are not uniform across the country; the National Weather Service adjusts criteria by region, so the snowfall amounts required to trigger a warning here may differ from those used in northern states where heavier snowfall is routine.
| Years analyzed | 13 winters (2012–2024) |
|---|---|
| Avg. annual snowfall | 9.6 in (24.3 cm) |
| Snowiest months | February, January, December |
| Avg. winter overnight low | 27.4°F (−2.5°C) |
| Heavy-snow days per year | 0 |
Climatology figures are approximate estimates for the period shown and may differ from official local records.
Watch vs warning: a winter storm watch means a major storm is possible in Wichita within 12–48 hours (be prepared); a winter storm warning means it is happening or about to (take action now). For full definitions, see the complete winter storm warning guide.
Wichita winter storm FAQ
Is there a winter storm warning in Wichita right now?
The live status at the top of this page shows whether a winter storm warning, watch, or advisory is currently in effect for Wichita, Kansas. It checks live forecast and alert data automatically and refreshes every time the page loads.
Does Wichita get winter storm warnings often?
Wichita sees only occasional snow, so winter storm warnings are infrequent, though disruptive snow and ice events do occur. The frequency varies year to year with the track of major storm systems.
How much snow triggers a winter storm warning in Wichita?
There is no single national trigger: warning criteria are set by each local National Weather Service office, ranging from a couple of inches of snow in areas where snow is rare up to 6 inches or more in snow-belt regions, and significant ice accumulation can warrant a warning on its own. In a lower-snow area like Wichita, warnings can be issued for amounts snowier regions would shrug off.
What should I do during a winter storm warning in Wichita?
Avoid travel if possible, stay indoors and keep warm, prepare for power outages, keep an emergency kit, and check on elderly or vulnerable neighbours. Follow guidance from Kansas authorities and the National Weather Service (NWS).
Winter storm warnings in nearby locations
- Winter storm warning in Tulsa, OK
- Winter storm warning in Topeka, KS
- Winter storm warning in Oklahoma City, OK
- Winter storm warning in Norman, OK
- Winter storm warning in Overland Park, KS
- Winter storm warning in Kansas City, MO
See all locations, read the latest winter weather news, or the full winter storm warning guide. Definitions follow the National Weather Service (NWS) criteria; thresholds vary by region.