The increased fire danger, severe weather risk and potential for heavy rainfall the next few days are all part of the same weather system, according to National Weather Service meteorologist Kyle Poage.
The fire danger is the most immediate concern with temperatures in the mid- and upper 70s Wednesday and Thursday, coupled with winds as high as 30 mph Wednesday and 40 mph Thursday along with the ongoing drought. However, higher humidity levels Thursday may offset some of that fire danger.
Rain comes into the picture Thursday night, and there could be significant totals for the area. The National Weather Service is still expecting at least 1.5 inches of rainfall, with some residents getting three inches or more. Earlier forecasts had rain extending to Sunday morning, although current indications are rain could end by lunchtime Saturday. A marginal risk for severe weather, mainly for hail and wind, is in place along and west of Kansas Highway 99 for late Thursday night into early Friday morning, with a marginal risk areawide later Friday.
With the prospect of rain and lightning, numerous high school playoff game times and/or dates have been adjusted:
*Emporia High’s playoff game at Blue Valley Southwest is now at 7 pm Thursday. Coverage on 14 KVOE, 96.9 FM and KVOE.com begins at 6:40 pm.
*Chase County’s playoff game against South Sumner is at 7 pm Thursday in Caldwell. Coverage on Country 101.7 FM and KVOE.com starts at 6:40 pm.
*Lyndon is at Moundridge at 6 pm Thursday
*Council Grove football at Caney Valley starts at 6:30 pm Thursday.
*Lebo plays host to Frankfort at 6 pm Friday.
*Waverly hosts Pawnee Heights at 6 pm Friday.
Still tentatively at 7 pm Friday are the following games:
*Olpe vs. Pleasanton on Mix 104.9 FM and KVOE.com
*Burlingame vs. Wichita Independent
*Madison at Little River
*Osage City vs. Humboldt
Tuesday’s high temperature reached 81 degrees, just short of the record of 82.
We’ll keep you updated on KVOE, KVOE.com and KVOE social media.
