Temperatures continue to climb; Eyeing 100° for the weekend

Temperatures keep going up as we head in to the weekend with highs in the triple digits and heat indices approaching 110°.

Sunny skies are expected Thursday.  Southeast Nebraska will warm in to the middle 90°s.  Lincoln will reach 90° for the 28th day this year, topping out at 95°.

Luckily, the humidity will not be terribly bad.  Dew point temperatures – the measure of the moisture in the air – are expected to be in the low 60°s.  This will create a heat index in the middle to upper 90°s by late Thursday afternoon.

There will be a chance for isolated showers and thunderstorms over western and central portions of Nebraska Thursday evening.  Storms that develop will move southeast through 9 p.m./10 p.m.

A few short-range computer models are suggesting showers and thunderstorms could develop over northeast Nebraska late Thursday night/early Friday morning and move south towards I-80 by daybreak.  At this time this looks like a small chance, but be sure to check later forecasts to get updated information.

The mercury will keep climbing Friday and again Saturday.  Temperatures will be in the upper 90°s Friday and around 100° Saturday.  Saturday will also bring a concern when factoring in the humidity.  Dew point temperatures are projected to be in the upper 60°s to near 70°.  This will create heat indices 105° to near 110° during the afternoon.  Start hydrating today if you have plans to partake in outdoor activities Saturday.  Also plan on taking breaks in air conditioning.

PATTERN CHANGE

Long range computer models continue to suggest a pattern change is coming for southeast Nebraska next week.  Right now it is looking like highs will be in the 80°s Sunday through the end of the month.  While cooler, it does look to be humid, or “muggly”, for the time period.  Along with cooler air, rain appears possible on several days.  Stay tuned!

– Chief Meteorologist John Dissauer