After the recent cold snap, the mercury is expected to rise to near-record levels this weekend.
The National Weather Service in Dodge City is projecting temperatures in the mid-70s in the Hays area, with southwest portions of the state possibly reaching the mid-80s.
Skies are expected to be clear through the weekend, with a high of 73 projected Saturday and Sunday in Hays. Overnight lows will be in the upper-30s to mid-40s.
A chance of rain returns Wednesday, forecasters are predicting.