Slight risk overnight; Scorching heat coming up this week

After a decently cool July, we’ll be experiencing some very hot temperatures this next week. But first, there is a chance for storms across Nebraska on Sunday. The first wave comes off the Rockies and through the Sandhills, moving southeast toward the southwest corner of the state.

The Storm Prediction Center as of 8 p.m. has Lincoln and eastern Nebraska now under a Slight (Level 2 of 5) risk for a few isolated storms. Storms will mostly be accompanied by a chance for large hail, as they’ll be more elevated in nature (less of a wind threat since they’re higher off the ground).

The second wave is one that starts after midnight. A shortwave of energy will be sliding through, and by about 2 a.m., we could see these storms fire up if they can overcome some dry air.

Limiting factors may play a role in whether we see storms, if any. There’s a chance a storm or two could see strong winds and some hail during this time, with activity coming to an end around mid-morning.

But the bigger story for this next week is the scorching summer heat. Normally, July is when we see the most days in one month at or above 90°. On average, that’s around 14 days for July.

So far, June has outperformed. By Sunday, we only saw our 5th day of the month reach the 90s (or higher). But with another warm stretch in sight, we could easily tack on many more days for the July count.

Forecast high temperatures for each day of the next six days (at least!) are in the 90s, if not hotter. We’ve got chances for a few days with actual temperatures over 100°, too.

The forecast through the end of the month into early August will be mainly hot and dry. There are a couple hints that the pattern could support small chances of rain here and there, but the heat will be here for a while.

Meteorologist Jessica Blum 
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