May-like end to the weekend; Rain returns for start of work week

Southeast Nebraska had a beautiful start to the weekend.  Sunny skies and temperatures in the middle 60°s for the afternoon.  That equates to temperatures approximately 10° above normal.

Sunday brings even warmer air to the state.  Temperatures will climb in to the 70°s for the afternoon.  However, do not expect as much sunshine Sunday as high overcast clouds spread over the state.

Winds will also be gusty out of the south.  Sustained winds will be 10 to 20 mph with gusts to 30 mph.  This combined with higher temperatures, resulting in lower relative humidity, and dry vegetation on the ground will make for increased fire danger.  Outdoor burning is not recommended Sunday afternoon and evening.

MUCH NEEDED RAIN RETURNS

A weather system off the southwest coast of the United States will move in to the Plains Monday.  Ahead of the system, moisture will quickly spread north in to Nebraska Monday afternoon and evening.  At times the rain could fall at a heavy clip, especially Monday night in to Tuesday morning.

While not as heavy, rain will fall throughout the day Tuesday and in to Tuesday night.  Eventually, enough cold air could work in to the atmosphere a few thousand feet above the ground for early Wednesday.  If this happens, it could result in snow for portions of the Channel 8 viewing area.

The good news from all of this is the potential for 1″ to 2″ of rain around southeast Nebraska.  The highest amounts look to be in the extreme southeast corner of the state.  A two computer model average suggests 1.45″ of precipitation in Lincoln through 7 p.m. Wednesday.

– Chief Meteorologist John Dissauer