By SALINA POST
The winter of 2024-2025 brought colder-than-normal temperatures, below-average precipitation, and continued drought conditions across Kansas, according to the latest National Weather Service Wichita climate report.
Kansas recorded its coldest winter since 2013-14, with cities such as Salina, Russell, and Wichita experiencing sustained periods of below-normal temperatures. Despite increased snowfall in some areas, precipitation levels remained low, continuing a trend of drought across much of the state.
Cold Temperatures Grip Kansas
Winter temperatures were significantly below average, with Salina recording an average of 30.0°F (-2.9°F below normal), marking its coldest winter since 2013-14. Wichita experienced an average temperature of 33.1°F (-2.4°F below normal), making it the coldest since 2020-21.
February 2025 followed a similar pattern, with many locations seeing their coldest February in years. Salina averaged 29.2°F, which was 5.7°F below normal, making it the coldest February since 2021. Russell saw even greater departures from normal, averaging 27.8°F, or 6.1°F below normal.
A particularly cold stretch in mid-February resulted in record-breaking low temperatures across the state. On February 20, Salina dropped to -10°F, setting a new record for the date. Wichita also saw subzero temperatures, hitting -8°F on the same night.
Snowfall Increases Despite Below-Normal Precipitation
While overall precipitation levels were below normal, snowfall totals were above average across much of Kansas.
Wichita recorded 7.5 inches of snow in February, making it the snowiest February since 2022. Salina saw a seasonal total of 18.2 inches, the most since 2013-14.
Goodland, in western Kansas, recorded 17 inches of snow in February, its highest total for the month since 1997. Meanwhile, Topeka saw its snowiest winter since 2010-11, with seasonal totals exceeding 27 inches.
Despite these above-average snowfall totals, overall precipitation remained below normal, contributing to worsening drought conditions across the state.
Drought Conditions Persist
The lack of rainfall continued to fuel drought concerns across Kansas. February precipitation totals were well below average:
Salina: 0.40 inches (-0.47 inches below normal)
Wichita: 0.54 inches (-0.66 inches below normal)
Chanute: 0.48 inches (-1.08 inches below normal)
With 47% of Kansas classified as abnormally dry or in drought, the region saw little improvement over the winter months. The latest U.S. Drought Monitor shows that light to moderate drought conditions persisted across the state, particularly in north-central and western Kansas.
Drought intensity remained mostly steady over the past two months, with some areas of far western and southern Kansas seeing slight worsening conditions. Soil moisture levels also declined, posing concerns for the upcoming planting season.
Looking Ahead to Spring
As Kansas heads into spring, meteorologists warn that the ongoing weak La Niña pattern could lead to warmer and drier conditions in the coming months.
The March-May outlook from the Climate Prediction Center suggests equal chances for above- or below-normal temperatures, but slightly drier-than-average conditions are expected in western Kansas.
With drought persisting, farmers and county emergency preparedness officials will be monitoring precipitation trends closely. If spring rainfall does not arrive at expected levels, soil moisture deficits could impact crops and increase wildfire risks.
For continued updates on Kansas weather and drought conditions, visit the National Weather Service Wichita and U.S. Drought Monitor.