Cold, wind, rain, and snow all arriving Thursday

Lincoln saw its first 70° day of the year on Wednesday. However, Thursday will be a stark contrast to the warm, spring-like day we experienced not too long ago. A strong cold front is passing through on Thursday morning, which will bring big changes to the weather statewide.

PRECIPITATION POTENTIAL

Winter Storm Warnings are in effect for portions of central and northeast Nebraska through Thursday afternoon and evening. The warning area is where we expect the majority of the accumulating snow and most issues for the morning commute. Blowing snow will be a possibility in these areas, perhaps producing visibilities under one mile at times.

In southeast Nebraska, everything starts off as rain. However, we may start transitioning to a mix during the 9-11 a.m. timeframe around Lincoln (even sooner farther west). After Noon, most areas should be dealing with snow. Precipitation appears to taper off by the evening commute.

Snow totals will likely be highest in northeast Nebraska. I’m treating 2″-4″ as a general baseline for areas of central and northeast Nebraska, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see a few pockets of 3″+. Totals look much lighter to the south, where precipitation falls as rain initially. Lincoln may end up with snow for a limited period of time, and that would probably reduce the totals.

Even if you don’t experience much snow accumulation, you’ll still see rain at some point. We could be looking at liquid-equivalent totals up to 0.25″ by the end of the day, with perhaps some higher totals in localized pockets.

A VERY WINDY DAY

While Wednesday was warm and windy, Thursday will be cold and windy. Winds transition out of the north behind the cold front. We’ll likely be dealing with sustained wind speeds up to 35 mph with gusts pushing 50-55 mph.

GETTING COLDER

The northerly winds will also drive much cooler air into the region. Temperatures will fall into the 30s once the front passes through your location, and that is where they remain for the rest of the day.

Factor in the wind, and wind chills may end up sitting in the upper teens to low-20s during the afternoon.

It should be quieter for St. Patrick’s Day, although a few flurries can’t be ruled out. It will remain cool, however, with highs in the 30s for the next couple of days.

Meteorologist Malcolm Byron

Facebook: /mbyronwx

Twitter: @mbyronwx