The latest drought monitor was just released this morning (July 3, 2025), taking into account the record rainfall in Grand Island and surrounding areas last week.
Buffalo, Hall and Merrick counties have seen drought conditions improve by 2 classes in one week. Those areas were considered “severe” drought and now are in the “abnormally dry” class.
A hot and humid airmass will be in place for Fourth of July festivities that start today, including Uncle Sam Jam in Lincoln tonight.
The early-afternoon UV index will be about a 10, so sunscreen will be needed to avoid a burn that could happen in 15-25 minutes in those conditions. With the humidity, it’ll also feel like the middle and upper 90s across southeast Nebraska today.
Rolling into the evening timeframe, skies will remain clear from the time Haymarket Park opens at 6PM to the fireworks show beginning at 10PM. Prepare for a very warm night!
Storm chances are in the forecast for Friday especially for western and central Nebraska. Cloud cover increases through the morning, but any spot storms in eastern Nebraska wouldn’t start up until after about 5PM on the Fourth.
Here’s a better look at the timing of storms across the state throughout the Fourth of July. Storms ongoing during the morning and early afternoon way out west eventually come together in more of a line advancing east Friday evening.
There may be a few spot storms out ahead of that main line – that would be our evening chance in southeast Nebraska. But if we miss those, rain may not happen until later (after 11PM or midnight)…