Isolated strong to severe storms possible overnight

HASTINGS, Neb. (KSNB) - As you stepped outside this afternoon you more than likely noticed that it’s a bit warmer than it has been as of late. Unfortunately, this is just a hint of things to come as hot and steamy temperatures will be moving in this week. This evening will be sunny and very warm. Showers and storms that develop over the high plains of eastern Wyoming will move eastward overnight. These storms will weaken as they approach south central Nebraska. Before that, a few could be strong to severe in western parts of the state. Additional showers and storms look to fire up along a boundary near and east of highway 81 early tomorrow morning. A few strong to severe storms will once again be possible for areas east. The primary hazards with any storms that become severe will be quarter size hail and damaging wind gusts to around 60 mph.

Temperatures will be the main focus this week as the upper level ridge over the western U.S slides eastward. As it does, temperatures along with heat indices will soar into the 100′s across much of the area. The heat will stick around through this week and possibly into the first week of August. It’s not uncommon as this is climatological warmest part of the summer for us. After starting off tomorrow with lows in the mid to upper 60s, temperatures will rocket into the mid 90s to low 100s tomorrow afternoon. This will be the case through the rest of week with high temperatures each day in the mid to upper 90s and lower 100s, with many days seeing heat index values of 100° to 110°. The vast majority of the area will remain dry. There will only be very small chance for showers and storms each night starting Tuesday. Temperatures will be slightly cooler behind a weak cold front that moves through Thursday night. Now when I say slightly cooler, I mean mid 90s rather than 100 degrees.

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