Warm, dry pattern continues with no end in sight
September in all was a warm and dry month. Unfortunately, October is starting out much the same.
In recap, more days were above average last month than anything else, including 14 days at 90° and above.
Only four days had a measurable amount of rain, making for the fourth driest September in Lincoln’s history (dating back to 1887 when records began).
Climate tells us it will get cooler eventually. Normal high temperatures will drop from the 70s to the 50s over the course of the month, while overnight lows will drop closer to the 30s.
Yet the current weather pattern keeps us far from normal. Count on many very warm October days the rest of this work week and especially Saturday.
Specifically today, areas of northern Nebraska will be under extreme fire danger (Red Flag Warning) conditions with gustier winds. Avoid open burning through the evening hours in a situation like this. But fire weather will continue to be something to watch for as our dry, warm pattern persists.
Looking farther down the line into October, there’s still strong signals for warmer than average temperatures for most of the United States, including us at home in Nebraska.
The signals are strong to remain under very dry conditions as well, with the precipitation outlook below leaning toward “drier than average” into mid-October.
That being said, we may come close to record heat in Lincoln on Saturday. Temperatures will flirt with the upper 90s, making for a VERY HOT and dangerous afternoon this time of year to be caught outside without hydration nearby. The record for that date in Lincoln is 98° set back in 1947.
Meteorologist Jessica Blum
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