By Scout Nelson
Nebraska is ending April with cooler-than-normal temperatures. On Friday, April 25, highs are expected to stay below 60°F statewide and could stay in the 40s in western high elevations. Scattered showers are possible early in the day, but most rain should clear by sunrise, leaving a cloudy day across Nebraska.
Saturday, April 26 will be slightly warmer with highs ranging from 58°F to 65°F. The Panhandle could touch 70°F with more sunshine. However, more showers are expected by Saturday afternoon in west-central Nebraska, moving into eastern areas overnight and into Sunday morning.
Sunday, April 27 will stay breezy. Light rain is possible, especially in eastern Nebraska, and areas without recent rain may face elevated fire risks. Winds are expected to remain strong through Monday, April 28.
The Storm Prediction Center warns that severe weather could strike Monday. Eastern Nebraska is at risk for hail, damaging winds, and tornadoes. The severity depends on the exact track of a low-pressure system moving from Colorado into the Dakotas. Temperatures could near 90°F in some eastern parts.
Another chance of rain is expected early Thursday, May 1, with a cold front bringing possible showers, especially in southeastern Nebraska. However, after that, the state could face a dry stretch lasting up to a week.
Drought concerns are growing. A recent controlled burn in Brown County got out of control, burning several thousand acres and leading to cattle deaths. The Governor has issued a statewide burn ban through the end of April.
Meanwhile, Omaha faced major flooding on April 24 after two intense rounds of storms dropped several inches of rain in a short time.
Looking ahead, temperatures are expected to be above normal in early May, increasing concerns for drought-stricken areas.
Photo Credit:gettyimages-tlillico
Categories: Nebraska, Weather