LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) – After a tame summer with relatively mild conditions and limited heat and humidity, Nebraska is about to get wet. But first, enjoy Thursday’s beautiful weather.
Today will be pleasant with mostly sunny skies, comfortable dew points, and highs in the upper 70s to low 80s. It’s the calm before the storm — literally.
Drought Conditions Improving in Some Areas, Worsening in Others
The latest drought monitor shows some good news for central and eastern Nebraska. Moderate drought conditions that plagued areas near the Tri-Cities and counties west of Lincoln have improved to abnormally dry conditions. However, the Panhandle tells a different story.
Exceptional drought continues to expand across western Nebraska, and residents there need to be weather aware. When winds pick up, fire danger will be especially heightened throughout the summer without additional rainfall.
Heavy Rain Expected This Weekend
The silver lining: significant rainfall is expected over eastern and central Nebraska this weekend, with potential amounts of 1 to 3 inches or more in some areas.
While forecast models can be optimistic, most of central and eastern Nebraska should see at least 1 inch, which is welcome news for drought-stressed areas.
Western Nebraska, unfortunately, may miss out on much of this moisture.
Saturday: Storms Arrive Evening Into Overnight
Hour-by-hour, Saturday won’t be a washout until the overnight timeframe into Sunday (June 20-21, 2026).
Multiple waves of thunderstorms are expected Saturday, with the first arriving as early as the afternoon. The main severe weather threat arrives Saturday evening and continues into early Sunday morning.
Main Hazards:
- Damaging wind gusts
- Localized flash flooding
- Isolated hail
- Possible brief tornadoes
A Slight risk for severe weather (Level 2 out of 5) covers southern Nebraska as storms will threaten large hail, damaging wind and heavy rainfall. An isolated tornado threat will be in the cards, too.
A Moderate Risk for a flash flooding threat now highlights much of southeast Nebraska and northern Kansas Saturday into Sunday (June 20-21, 2026)…