Warm & Windy Wednesday- Extreme Cold Friday

This afternoon will be our last breath of warmth and sunshine. Temperatures warming up into the 40s and lower 50s. Strong NW winds will occur in eastern Nebraska accompanied by sunny skies.

Strong NW winds will gust to near 50+ mph this afternoon across eastern Nebraska. This will make for high fire danger due to the dry conditions, warmer temperatures and strong winds. A WIND ADVISORY is in effect through Wednesday evening.

Wind chills will begin to plummet Thursday night-Friday morning, with values near 20–35° below zero continuing through Sunday morning.

EXTREME COLD WATCHES are in effect starting Thursday night- Friday morning. Much of the northeast could see wind chills 25–40° BELOW ZERO!

Friday will start with wind chill values plunging to -30°F or colder, with actual temperatures falling 5–10°F below zero, especially across the northeast. Frostbite may occur in as little as 30 minutes on exposed skin. Afternoon highs will only reach 0° to 10°F.

Light snow showers are expected to develop across western Nebraska Friday afternoon and evening. Snow will gradually attempt to move east into Saturday, but forecast confidence remains uncertain in timing, track, and dry air intrusion. At this time, western areas have the best chance for measurable snow accumulation.

Through Friday night, the best chance for any snow accumulation will be further west.

Another clipper system could bring light flurries into far NE Nebraska this evening. The first half of Thursday will be in the 30s before the strong polar cold sets in Thursday evening.  Friday morning begins our bitter cold stretch through the weekend. Light snow showers are expected to develop across western Nebraska Friday afternoon and evening. Snow will gradually attempt to move east into Saturday. A “small” warmup by next week.

Meteorologist Houston Hall

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