Ancient records fall with one more snow event in our near future

Record low temperatures, some that are more than 100 years old, are being rewritten by this latest cold snap in the Plains. This brutal stretch of weather is one that we won't soon forget (even though we'd probably like to). It's the right combination of ingredients coming together to make this one of the longest subfreezing stretches on record for different areas in Kansas. 

Here's a small sample of some of the records - and we aren't finished until we see the temperature get back above 32°.

• The record low from Salina on Monday dates back to 1905
• Record low in Wichita for Tuesday goes back to 1903

The Arctic high is beginning to weaken now, so we will start seeing temperatures go back up, even if it is a slow process. Our expectations is that by Friday, much of the Plains will finally be getting back to near freezing. 

 Another snow event tracking toward Kansas Tuesday/Wednesday:

This is yet another in a series of systems tracking in from the west that will spread some snow across southern Kansas and Oklahoma. Given the forecast track, duration of snow, and temperatures, we don't think this system will produce much more than some 1-3 inch amounts over south central and southeast Kansas. There could be some higher totals in Oklahoma, but it's not one to hang around long.

 There is definitely light at the end of the tunnel, even if it feels like forever away. We expect Friday will be our first day getting back to freezing for most of Kansas. That will mark the end of a 12 day stretch below freezing in much of the state. Woohoo!!