Warmer before storms, some possibly severe, Friday afternoon

The morning so far has been very quiet under mostly clear skies early. Winds will be light as you leave for work, with temperatures in the upper 30s.

By this afternoon, we’re in for another big warm up. Highs will be close to 80!

Stronger winds west of Lincoln will increase fire danger for those under a Red Flag Warning Thursday afternoon into the evening hours. Gusty winds, warm temperatures, low relative humidity and dry vegetation will lead to critical fire weather today.

Then on Friday, a strong system will start to move into the region. It does bring a risk of severe weather with thunderstorms forming after about 2-3 p.m. Friday afternoon.

A Slight (Level 2 of 5) risk starts from Lincoln and extends east in the latest update from the Storm Prediction Center. A Slight risk means scattered severe storms are possible.

The main threat will be damaging wind gusts (that could exceed 75 mph) and hail, but an isolated tornado can’t be ruled out toward Omaha and the Missouri River.

There is potential for a severe weather outbreak Friday night into the overnight hours for those beyond Nebraska to the east. A Moderate (Level 4 of 5) risk is centered around St. Louis as widespread damaging winds, several tornadoes (some strong) and large hail will all be possible.

If you have friends or family out that way within the red area below, make sure they have multiple ways to receive warnings and are alert Friday night into early Saturday as this will be a nighttime event.

As for us back here at home, these thunderstorms along with some winter weather can be timed out through Stormcast in the video below.

We’ll take any moisture we can get. But these storms will be quick movers, so this round doesn’t look like a lot. More will be possible for central and northeast Nebraska.

Some of that will fall as snow late Friday night into Saturday morning, namely for those from Grand Island up through northeast Nebraska.

Blowing snow could cause some travel issues through northeast Nebraska early in the morning. It may be a good idea to delay travel until Saturday afternoon once this clears us for those closer to Knox and Cedar counties.

It’ll be a blustery day then Saturday and cooler. We will warm right back up in time for St. Patrick’s Day!

Meteorologist Jessica Blum 
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