Storms possible in the west tonight; sunshine & summery weather into the weekend
LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) - A round of storms will move into western and central Nebraska late tonight into Friday morning, with gusty winds and small hail as the primary concerns. The good news: Lincoln and eastern Nebraska should stay mostly dry. After this system moves through, expect a stretch of hot, dry weather to take over the weekend and extend well into next week, with temperatures climbing into the 90s and potentially near 100 degrees.
Tonight Into Friday Morning: Storms Roll In From the West
Storms developing across the Rockies today will push eastward across Nebraska late tonight into very early Friday morning, with the strongest activity expected across the western third of the state. While the overall severe weather threat remains limited, gusty winds up to 45-60 mph and small hail are possible, especially west of Highway 183.
Lincoln and eastern Nebraska should remain mostly dry, though a few spotty showers and storms can’t be ruled out Friday afternoon as any lingering moisture moves through. If storms do develop Friday, gusty winds will be the main threat rather than severe weather.
Friday: Cloudy Start, Warming Begins
Friday will start cloudy before partly to mostly cloudy skies take over by afternoon. Warm and muggy conditions will be noticeable, though temperatures will actually run a few degrees below average in the mid 80s for most locations. Some areas in the upper 80s and low 90s are possible. This will be the coolest day of the next week.
Weekend: Sunny Skies and Heat Arrives
The weekend looks beautiful with mostly sunny to sunny skies expected across Nebraska. Lincoln and eastern Nebraska will see seasonal temperatures, while the far western portions of the state could see upper 90s and lower 100s. This is when the warming trend really kicks in.
Next Week: Extended Heat and Dry Pattern
An upper level ridge will take control of the weather pattern starting Sunday and lasting through at least Tuesday, bringing hot and dry conditions to the entire state. Expect highs in the 90s across most of Nebraska, with some locations potentially approaching 100 degrees. Dewpoints will stay in the 60s, but the combination of heat and humidity will make it feel like the mid 90s to around 100 degrees.
Little to no chances for moisture are expected through at least the middle of next week. Winds may also increase early next week as surface pressure patterns shift, creating gusty southerly winds to go along with the heat.
By late next week, the pattern may finally begin to shift as upper level changes move in, potentially bringing temperatures back toward more seasonal levels and a chance for some precipitation—though widespread rain still looks unlikely.
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