Freezing Air Settles Over Kansas This Weekend
A cold front brings below-average temperatures and freezing overnight lows across Kansas through the weekend, with rain arriving Saturday evening.
Updated on Nov. 12, 2026 in Current Conditions
A cold front is bringing cooler air and freezing temperatures to Kansas through the weekend. Rain showers are forecast to arrive in southwest Kansas Saturday evening and spread northeast into Sunday.
Why it matters
The next wind shift reinforces cooler air moving into Kansas ahead of the weekend, pushing temperatures well below average for this time of year. Residents across the state should prepare for freezing conditions before the rain arrives.
Forecast figures show Northeast Kansas dipping into the 20s on Friday and Saturday mornings, while Southwest Kansas reached near 70 degrees Thursday. Rainfall amounts and exact onset times remain unspecified.
The details
Sunshine and gusty winds dominated Kansas on Wednesday, followed by a front that passed through the state and a second front arriving Thursday. Northeast Kansas struggled to reach the upper 40s Thursday while Southwest Kansas approached 70 degrees; storms and severe weather are not expected this weekend because there is no instability.
Timeline
Thursday: State divided, with northeast Kansas struggling to reach the upper 40s.
Friday and Saturday mornings: Freezes expected across the state.
Saturday: Temperatures in the 50s, partly to mostly cloudy.
Saturday evening: Rain showers arrive in southwest Kansas.
Sunday: Rain showers spread northeast with temperatures in the 40s.
Seasonal Patterns
This cold snap fits the typical late-autumn pattern in which Canadian air masses push south behind a passing front, bringing freezes to northeast Kansas before the western storm system delivers moisture. Temperatures are projected to rebound into the 60s by Tuesday, with isolated moisture possible later next week.
Residents in northeast Kansas should protect exposed plants and pipes before the Friday and Saturday morning freezes. Drivers should watch for patchy fog along the Colorado state line Friday morning and plan for wet roads when rain arrives Saturday evening.
The takeaway
Protecting plants and pipes before the Friday and Saturday freezes is the most practical step Kansas residents can take this weekend. Check the forecast again before Saturday's rain arrives, since timing can shift.
What happens next
Rain is forecast to exit Kansas by Monday, and temperatures are expected to rebound into the 60s by Tuesday.
Further reading
Track the latest readings in our Current Conditions section for Kansas.
