Dry on July 3rd, stormier for the 4th

If you have holiday plans, you’ll have a better chance of avoiding storms on Monday. We’re forecasting mostly sunny skies on Monday, with high temperatures in the middle-90s around Lincoln. It will feel a few degrees warmer once you factor in the humidity.

While we will have to contend with some heat, the forecast does look dry for Uncle Sam Jam on Monday evening. By fireworks time, we’re looking at mostly clear skies and temperatures near 80°.

FOURTH OF JULY STORMS

However, storm chances are much higher for the Fourth of July itself. The Storm Prediction Center has placed central and eastern Nebraska under a slight (Level 2/5) risk for severe weather. Damaging wind and large hail are the primary concerns, and the highest severe weather chances would be during the afternoon and evening.

On Monday night, a few storms may clip northern parts of the state, and those storm chances carry over into Tuesday morning. While northern Nebraska may see morning storms, I suspect southern Nebraska (including Lincoln) will just see a mix of sun and clouds.

By mid to late afternoon, we expect a line of storms to develop along a cold front in central Nebraska. This line will move into southeast Nebraska on Tuesday evening, which could affect some firework displays.

Although the timing is unfortunate with regard to Fourth of July festivities, we desperately need more rain and this offers a decent chance. Many versions of Stormcast suggest 1″+ in regions that see the most storm activity.

We may see some isolated storms lingering into Wednesday, but eastern Nebraska does appear to dry out by Thursday. At this time, we are reintroducing more rain chances into the forecast around Friday.

Meteorologist Malcolm Byron

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