Shifting pattern for next week - summer?

April started off really dry, then all of sudden we've started getting some nice moisture. However, that is about to change and we may end the month on a dry stretch across the Plains. More info on that in a second. First, wanted to look at some rainfall numbers from the most recent round:

The most recent storm system dropped some soaking rains on most of Kansas. I know there are some areas that still need more. A new drought map is out today looking like this:

We've seen some new areas of drought popping up in north central Kansas. That area did get rain (roughly .50") on Wednesday, so maybe that will ease the stress for right now.

Keep in mind that the rainfall from Wednesday is NOT taken into consideration when the map show above was drawn up. The drought map next week will reflect the impact this weeks rains had on the state. The official numbers still show deficits in many areas around Kansas. April is traditionally not our wettest month, but typically we get 2-3 inches of rain during the month.

Next week setup: The pattern is going to switch to finish off April. While record warmth is somewhat questionable, we are going to see a big warming trend and maybe some of the warmest temperatures so far this year. Just look at the models suggest WELL above normal temperatures for the home stretch of April:

We also aren't seeing many rain chances on the horizon next week. A high pressure ridge will setup across the central and western US. That means, above normal temperatures will cover the western two-thirds of our nation. Kansas will see mainly 70s and 80s. A strong run at 90 is expected late in the week.

One rain chance will come through on Tuesday with a cold front. I would stop short of calling this a good chance, but some rain and thunder should come through late in the afternoon or evening. Severe chances look low for Kansas, but we will keep a close watch on it.