Wichita Faces Two Rounds of Severe Storms
The National Weather Service warns of possible tornado-capable storms and damaging winds in the Wichita area Monday.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Forecasts
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The National Weather Service issued a severe weather statement for the Wichita area on Sunday, forecasting two rounds of storms Monday. The strongest threat is expected between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., with the severe risk lasting through at least 10 p.m.
Why it matters
The forecast carries a significant tornado and wind risk for Wichita residents heading into Monday, with the NWS noting uncertainty about how much the atmosphere destabilizes given ongoing morning showers and storms. Residents should monitor updates as conditions could shift.
The NWS forecasts a 70% chance of tornado-capable storms in south central Kansas Monday, with gusts above 70 mph and half-dollar hail possible. How intense the afternoon storms become remains uncertain because of the morning showers.
The players
National Weather Service
The federal agency responsible for weather forecasts and warnings across the United States, which issued the severe weather statement for Wichita.
The details
The first round of storms is expected to reach the Wichita area between 3 a.m. and noon Monday, bringing gusts of 50 to 60 mph and pea-size hail. The greatest chance of the most intense storms falls between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., when gusts above 70 mph and half-dollar size hail are possible.
Timeline
Sunday, Nov. 1, early afternoon: NWS issues the severe weather statement for the Wichita area.
Monday, Nov. 2, 3 a.m. to noon: First round of storms expected to arrive.
Monday, Nov. 2, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.: Greatest chance of the most intense storms.
Monday, Nov. 2, through at least 10 p.m.: Severe threat risk continues.
Tuesday, Nov. 3: Election Day, with cooler and calmer weather forecast.
Seasonal Patterns
The forecast arrives through the National Weather Service's standard severe weather statement process, which gives Wichita residents advance notice of a two-round storm threat. The mild temperatures expected through Thursday contrast with the Monday severe risk.
Residents should monitor weather alerts through Monday and be prepared to take shelter if a warning is issued for their area. Gusts above 70 mph are possible, so securing outdoor items and planning for possible power disruptions is advisable.
The takeaway
Monday's storm threat is significant enough to warrant preparation, while Tuesday's cooler, calmer weather offers a break. Checking official NWS alerts before and during the storms will help residents respond quickly.
What happens next
The first storm round is expected to arrive between 3 a.m. and noon Monday, with the most intense storms forecast between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Further reading
Track the latest outlooks in our Forecasts section for Wichita.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Wichita Eagle.
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