Unsettled Weather Brings Severe Storm Risks Across Kansas

Marginal severe weather chances through next week as heavy rain looms

Apr. 9, 2026 at 11:19am

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A sweeping, atmospheric landscape painting in muted tones of grey, blue, and green, with a dramatic, turbulent sky filled with dark, swirling clouds that obscure the distant horizon, conveying the overwhelming power of an approaching storm system.An impending storm system brings the threat of severe weather and heavy rainfall to the Kansas heartland.Emporia Today

An unsettled weather pattern is expected to bring a marginal risk of severe storms to parts of Kansas, including the Emporia area, over the next several days. Showers and thunderstorms are likely Thursday evening, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday, with the potential for damaging winds, hail, and heavy rainfall.

Why it matters

Severe weather can pose a threat to public safety, damage property, and disrupt daily life. Residents in the affected areas should stay vigilant and prepared for rapidly changing conditions over the next week.

The details

According to TV-13 meteorologist Doug Meyers, the severe weather risk begins Thursday evening, with a marginal chance of storms producing damaging winds and hail. Additional storm chances are forecast for Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday, with the highest severe weather risks on Saturday just west of the Kansas Turnpike and on Sunday south and west of Emporia. Overall, the region could see 0.75 to 2 inches of rain through Sunday, with the possibility of more precipitation through Wednesday.

  • Thursday evening: Marginal severe storm risk
  • Friday and Saturday: Showers and storms likely, marginal severe weather risk
  • Sunday: Slight severe weather risk south and west of Emporia
  • Monday and Tuesday: Slight severe weather risk

The players

Doug Meyers

A TV-13 meteorologist who provided the weather forecast and severe weather outlook for the region.

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What they’re saying

“This begins a lengthy period of unsettled weather.”

— Doug Meyers, TV-13 Meteorologist

“This is a good time to be prepared.”

— Doug Meyers, TV-13 Meteorologist

What’s next

Residents in the affected areas should monitor the latest weather forecasts and be prepared to take shelter if severe storms develop.

The takeaway

The upcoming unsettled weather pattern poses a risk of severe storms, heavy rain, and potential disruptions to daily life in parts of Kansas. Residents should stay vigilant, monitor forecasts, and take appropriate safety precautions.