A multi-day storm event is forecast to unfold across the central and southern United States, with the Storm Prediction Center issuing a slight to enhanced risk of severe thunderstorms across the Southern and Central Plains from March 4 to 6, 2026.
The Ranger Road Fire nearly doubled in size from 58 700 ha (145 000 acres) to over 114 650 ha (283 000 acres) within roughly 24 hours after ignition at 11:40 LT on February 17, 2026, when it crossed the Kansas–Oklahoma border. As of February 18, containment stood at 15% following rapid expansion driven by dry fuels and high winds. Authorities closed sections of Kansas highways 283, 160, and 183.
Winter storm warnings and watches have been issued across a broad swath of the United States due to a long-duration winter storm forecast to affect the Southern Plains and Lower Mississippi Valley to the Midwest, Great Lakes, Appalachians, and parts of the Southwest.
Strong northwesterly winds and very low humidity will bring critical fire weather conditions across eastern Colorado and western Kansas on Thursday, January 15, 2026, prompting the National Weather Service in Goodland to issue a Red Flag Warning and Fire Weather Watch. At the same time, high wind watches have been issued across the northern and central Great Plains, with gusts up to 120 km/h (75 mph) expected Thursday through Friday, January 16.
Record rainfall caused flash flooding in Kansas City, Missouri, on Thursday, July 24, 2025, submerging streets and prompting multiple water rescues.
Swift-water rescue and one fatality were reported during flash flooding in the Kansas City metro area on July 21, 2025. A woman was saved from Indian Creek in Kansas City, Missouri, while another was found deceased in floodwaters on a trail in Overland Park, Kansas.
Record rainfall caused widespread flash flooding across the Kansas City metro area on July 17, 2025, affecting both Missouri and Kansas sides and prompting at least 23 water rescues.
Severe thunderstorms swept through Central Kansas on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, bringing record-breaking rainfall and triggering flash flood emergencies. Eastern Wichita and surrounding areas faced dangerous flooding, road closures, and water rescues as rain totals reached up to 203 mm (8 inches) in some locations.
A large and extremely dangerous tornado touched down near Kansas City on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, causing widespread damage and overturning multiple vehicles along the I-435 and I-70.
A large wedge tornado struck Plevna, Kansas, around 23:50 local time (04:50 UTC) on May 18, 2025, causing significant damage to homes and infrastructure. The tornado crossed Highway 50 before weakening and left a trail of destruction, including flattened homes near South Langdon Road.
