Wichita, KS – A mild earthquake shook parts of south-central Kansas early Monday morning, briefly unsettling residents in and around Wichita. According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the 2.6-magnitude quake struck at approximately 3:22 a.m. CDT, with its epicenter located about three kilometers south of Milton, Kansas. The quake occurred at a depth of eight kilometers beneath the surface.
While the tremor was not strong enough to cause major damage, several residents west of Wichita reported feeling it. At least three people submitted “Did You Feel It?” responses to the USGS, confirming they experienced the shaking. The mild quake did not result in any injuries or structural damage, but it served as a wake-up call for many who were reminded that Kansas is not immune to seismic activity.
Historically, Kansas has experienced occasional small earthquakes. Back in November 2020, Wichita was hit by two consecutive days of minor quakes, both measuring 2.7 and 2.6 on the Richter scale. Though these earthquakes are not considered significant, they highlight the region’s ongoing seismic activity, which is often linked to underground geological shifts.
Monday’s tremor was not unexpected, as Kansas has seen an increase in minor seismic events over the past decade. Experts believe these small quakes are often associated with human activities such as wastewater injection from oil and gas operations. However, natural tectonic movements can also be a factor.
For now, authorities are not expecting any aftershocks or larger earthquakes in the immediate future. However, geologists urge residents to stay informed and be prepared, as earthquakes—no matter how small—can serve as reminders to review safety plans.
Aside from the earthquake, Wichita residents can expect a shift in weather conditions throughout the week. Monday’s forecast includes mostly cloudy skies with a high of 76°F and a low of 49°F. The temperature will continue to rise, reaching a peak of 89°F by Thursday before cooling down over the weekend. Breezy conditions and periods of sunshine are expected, making for a mix of warm and comfortable days ahead.
While this earthquake did not cause harm, experts emphasize the importance of being prepared for seismic events. Residents should secure heavy furniture, have an emergency kit on hand, and know what to do if a stronger quake ever occurs. In the event of future tremors, the best advice remains the same: drop, cover, and hold on.
As Kansas shakes off this minor seismic event, life continues as usual. But for those who felt the early morning tremor, it was an unexpected reminder that the ground beneath us is never completely still.
