LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) – A Heat Advisory is now in effect for Lincoln, Lancaster County and portions of southeast Nebraska as temperatures climb toward 100 degrees this afternoon. But relief is on the way — and it’s coming with a punch.
Thunderstorms are expected to develop after about 4 to 6 p.m. in the Lincoln area, bringing a risk for severe weather and heavy rainfall nearby. The cold front pushing through this evening will be the catalyst for the storms, but it will also usher in much cooler, more comfortable air by Wednesday.
What to Expect This Afternoon and Evening
Feels-like temperatures could reach 105 degrees by 2 p.m. today as heat and humidity combine across southeast Nebraska. High temperatures will reach the upper 90s to around 100 degrees before storms arrive.
When thunderstorms develop this evening, rain-cooled air will bring nice temperature drops — with feels-like temperatures plummeting into the 80s within hours of storm arrival.
Severe Weather Threat
A slight risk for severe weather exists across portions of southeast Nebraska, particularly along and south of Interstate 80. The main threats include:
- Damaging winds (primary threat)
- Large hail (up to quarter-size)
- Heavy rain and flash flooding (concern overnight)
Moisture levels are exceptionally high for early September. This means storms will be very efficient rain producers. A band of 2 to 4 inches of rain is possible across the area overnight, with flash flooding a concern, especially between ~7 p.m. and 7 a.m. Wednesday.
Lincoln will see rain chances increase this afternoon and evening, with the heaviest rain likely overnight. Rain chances will drop off Wednesday morning as storms clear out.
A Beautiful Wednesday and Thursday
After today’s active weather, conditions improve dramatically. Wednesday will feature more sunshine with lingering showers clearing by morning. Highs will reach the upper 70s to low 80s — a refreshing change from today’s dangerous heat.
Thursday will be even nicer, with mostly clear skies and seasonally appropriate temperatures in the lower 80s. Morning lows will drop to around 59 degrees — quite the change of pace from recent heat.
What’s Next: Another Front Arrives Friday
Temperatures will warm back up on Friday with highs near 90 degrees and increased wind. A cold front arriving late Friday into early Saturday will bring another chance for thunderstorms, potentially severe.
The weekend looks pleasant with highs in the upper 70s Saturday and Sunday — perfect weather for outdoor activities and the Huskers game at Memorial Stadium.
Kickoff temperatures will be in the upper 70s with only small rain chances in the morning and toward the end of the game.
Beyond the weekend, an active weather pattern continues with a series of chances for showers and storms through early next week…