LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) – A few hotter days are in the forecast for the end of this weekend and early next week – though wildfire smoke aloft has kept temperatures from getting really hot – as an active weather pattern returns with increased chances for thunderstorms and cooler temperatures late in the week.
Tonight and Sunday: Isolated Storms, Then Heat
A low chance of scattered showers and thunderstorms is possible over far eastern Nebraska and western Iowa tonight as outflow from earlier storms and a low-level jet focus additional development. The threat for severe weather remains low, though damaging winds and hail cannot be ruled out if storms do develop.
Sunday will bring a break in the action as high pressure builds over the region. Expect mostly sunny to partly cloudy skies with temperatures climbing into the 90s, potentially approaching 100 degrees across southern Nebraska.
Wildfire smoke aloft will keep skies hazy and may prevent temperatures from reaching their highest potential, but combined with humidity, heat index values will attempt to approach 100 degrees.
Early Week: Heat Continues, Storms Possible Overnight
This summer heat persists into early next week with heat index values remaining near 100-105 degrees through Tuesday, especially south of I-80. Low chances for thunderstorms exist mainly during overnight hours as weak disturbances move through, though timing remains uncertain.
There is a low-end risk for mainly those in Nebraska north of I-80 Monday evening and night, as some storm development could lead to a risk for gusty winds and some hail.
If storms develop, damaging winds and hail would be the primary threats, though the overall severe weather threat is low.
Mid-Week Turnaround: Cooler and Wetter
The pattern becomes more active later in the week as an upper-level trough moves into the region. Thunderstorm chances increase significantly by Wednesday night, Thursday and Friday, with a much better chance for widespread rain.
Timing of this rain would mean kids heading off to their first day of school in Lincoln on Thursday may need to have a rain jacket or umbrella ready…