LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) – Nebraska will experience a dramatic weather roller coaster this week, starting with record-challenging warmth on Monday before a cold front ushers in much cooler, wetter conditions that could provide significant relief to ongoing fire concerns across the state.
Monday: Last Hurrah of Warmth — Near Record Territory
Record and near-record highs are expected across Nebraska on Monday, with mainly clear skies in the morning becoming mostly cloudy to cloudy by the afternoon. Highs are forecast to reach the 80s to near 90 degrees, with some locations potentially challenging or breaking records. Lincoln’s forecast is 88°, while the record is also 88° set back in 1917.
However, the pleasant weather comes with some downsides: high to very high fire danger is expected again for western parts of the state, where Red Flag Warnings are in effect from noon Monday through 1 a.m. Tuesday. While winds will be light (gusts around 20 mph or less), the combination of warm temperatures, very dry air (humidity dropping below 15 percent across parts of the Panhandle), and dried-out vegetation creates dangerous fire conditions. The National Weather Service is also warning about the possibility of dry lightning if any showers develop Monday evening.
Tuesday: Dramatic Shift — Cooler, Windier, and Wetter…