Climate
The climate of the Flint Hills is sub-humid, continental with large daily, monthly, and yearly variations in temperature and precipitation. The average mean annual temperature is about 5
5° F (13° C). Generally, temperatures range from the mid- 90s (°F) during the summer months to lows in the 30s (°F) in January (Kansas State University 1948-1996). The growing season averages more than 180 days. The Flint Hills lie in the 30-36 inch (76.9-92.3 cm) rainfall belt (Anderson 1953).These large daily variations in temperature and precipitation can cause drastic shifts in weather patterns, resulting in safety concerns. The rapid approach of storms and other severe weather systems, with associated lightning and flash floods, are major concerns during certain months of the year. Likewise, the absence of these storms may bring elevated temperatures and the danger of heat stress to those unfamiliar with summer conditions on the prairie.