Turning cooler and windier on Friday

After a very warm Thursday, temperatures will trend in a cooler direction on Friday. A cold front will pass through on Friday morning, and we’ll see temperatures fall from west to east. Ultimately, how warm you get is entirely dependent on the timing of the front.

Areas in far southeast Nebraska may try to make a run for the 70s in the morning, but temperatures will fall during the afternoon. Lincoln likely remains in the 50s for much of the day, with slightly cooler air to the west.

It will still be windy on Friday morning, but wind speeds do back off temporarily. As wind directions shift out of the west and northwest through the day, wind speeds will increase again.

In fact, it may end up being windier on Friday night. We could see wind gusts in the ballpark of 50-55 mph, with sustained winds upwards of 35 mph.

Areas of central and northern Nebraska will likely be mostly cloudy all day. However, a dry slot moves over southeast Nebraska, allowing areas closer to Lincoln to start off with sunshine. Nevertheless, more clouds arrive later in the day.

Any areas that have cloud cover also have the potential to come across some spotty showers. That will be the case in Lincoln once clouds arrive. In fact, it may be cold enough to see a few flakes with these showers late Friday afternoon and evening.

In areas of central and northern Nebraska, temperatures will be cold enough to allow for some light freezing rain and/or a wintry mix initially. As the day wears on, a transition to a steadier snow will be possible in northern Nebraska.

Most of the accumulating snow will be in South Dakota, but at least a few inches are possible in northern Nebraska. Totals quickly taper off to the south.

Windy conditions will also allow for a blowing snow hazard. The combination of blowing and accumulating snow has allowed the National Weather Service to issue Winter Weather Advisories and Winter Storm Warnings are northern sections of the state.

The weather quiets down over the weekend. Saturday will be the cooler day with highs in the upper-50s, but by Sunday, temperatures climb back into the 70s.

Meteorologist Malcolm Byron

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