Konza Prairie, KS

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A VIEW OF A PORTION OF KONZA PRAIRIE, 1,000 ACRES OF VIRGIN TALLGRASS PRAIRIE NEAR MANHATTAN, KANSAS - NARA - 557189

Today’s Forecast:

☀
79°F
High: 79° | Low: 64°
Current Temperature
Mostly Clear
Station: KMHK
Observed at: 6:15 pm CDT on 9/26/26
Wind: 7 mph | Humidity: 61%
Tonight:A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms between midnight and 5am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 64. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Sunday:Partly sunny, with a high near 78. East wind 5 to 10 mph.
Sunday Night:Mostly cloudy, with a low around 64. East wind around 5 mph.
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Today’s Report:

🥾 Hiking

Fair
  65 /100

Fair for hiking. High near 78°F. Low rain risk (9%). Light wind (10 mph). Slight chance of thunderstorms.

  • Temp: Marginal weather factor
  • Rain: Favorable conditions
  • Wind: Favorable conditions
  • Thunderstorm: Marginal weather factor
Tomorrow's Outlook:
Excellent 94/100
Excellent for hiking. High near 76°F. Low rain risk (22%).

About Konza Prairie

This page connects the three designated public foot loops at the research preserve, where exposure and operating notices matter as much as the regional forecast.

Planning an Outing

A workable outing depends on creek crossings, prairie-fire closure, heat, lightning, wind, mud and research restrictions. Match the forecast to the chosen access near Nature Trail rather than assuming every component operates alike.

Destination-Specific Access

Public use stays on the Nature, Kings Creek and Godwin Hill foot trails. No biking, dogs, camping, fishing or unrestricted research-area access is implied.

Weather Tips

  • Across the three designated public foot loops at the research preserve, check official trail and road notices after heavy rain, strong wind or ice.

Nearby Towns and Areas

  • Nature Trail
  • Kings Creek Loop
  • Godwin Hill Loop
  • Manhattan

Adjust the Day to the Forecast

Choose the shorter route with the clearest exit options.

7-Day Forecast

☀
79°F
High: 79° | Low: 64°
Current Temperature
Mostly Clear
Station: KMHK
Observed at: 6:15 pm CDT on 9/26/26
Wind: 7 mph | Humidity: 61%
Sun ⛅
78° 64°
10%
Mon 🌧
77° 67°
22%
Tue ⛈
78° 67°
86%
Wed ⛈
74° 65°
86%
Thu ⛈
74° 59°
72%
Fri ⛈
73° 58°
35%
Sat ⛅
74° --°
11%

7-Day High Temperature Trend

78° Sun 77° Mon 78° Tue 74° Wed 74° Thu 73° Fri 74° Sat

7-Day Low Temperature Trend

64° Sun 67° Mon 67° Tue 65° Wed 59° Thu 58° Fri 50° Sat

📊 7-Day Outdoor Outlook

Good Fair Poor 80 Sun 85 Mon 15 Tue 21 Wed 21 Thu 65 Fri 100 Sat
Forecast data from the National Weather Service  |  Last Updated: September 26, 2026 7:33 pm CDT

Weather by Season

Winter

Cold fronts can produce blowing snow, black ice and sharp wind chill across the open trail network while complicating creek crossings; allow extra daylight for the return.

Spring

Spring wind and rapid pressure changes magnify prairie-fire closure; reassess the exact launch, trail or venue instead of relying on a city forecast.

Summer

Strong afternoon wind and lightning can change creek crossings faster than the temperature forecast suggests; shorten the exposed portion first.

Fall

A dry surface can change quickly behind a strong front as wind, falling limbs or colder water amplify heat.

Key Climate Data Points

  • Local climate: This local planning area has an annual average temperature near 55–58°F, receives roughly 32–40 inches of precipitation and records commonly 12–18 inches in the Flint Hills planning area near Nature Trail.
  • Wettest season: Late spring and early summer, when creek crossings deserves extra attention.
  • Driest season: Winter and late summer.
  • Annual average temperature: Near 55–58°f.
  • Annual snowfall: Commonly 12–18 inches for the local climate around Nature Trail.