While chillier today, tomorrow is the main event of the forecast

HASTINGS, Neb. (KSNB) - Today is the quiet before the storm for much of the area. Well certainly not idea with a cold front pushing south through the area this morning, at least the weather is quiet today. Probably the biggest issue has been the low clouds cover and patchy fog in Northern Nebraska behind the cold front. While some of this has drifted southward into Central Nebraska, it should remain in the northern half of Nebraska before burning off later today. The air will be chillier today because of the cold front...at least for most areas. Highs will range from the upper 20s north to the lower 50s southwest. For the Tri-Cities area, it’ll get close to 40° this afternoon. While winds won’t get terribly strong, they might get a touch breezy at 10 to 15 mph. They’ll become northerly, then northeasterly after the front passes through. Much bigger weather concerns will come later tonight.

After midnight, a low pressure system will approach from the southwest. Initially, there will be a chance of light freezing drizzle later tonight after midnight, but as we get toward sunrise on Thursday, we’ll see the atmosphere become more saturated and better chance of actual rain or snow. With many dealing with sub-freezing temperatures, freezing rain will become a big issue for the morning commute. There may also be some sleet and/or snow will chances being greater as you go to the northwest. Farther southeast, it might be warm enough for just a cold rain. But a large part of the area will have to deal with some freezing rain and icy conditions. The bulk of it will fall during the morning with the bulk of that moisture then moving to the north and east. But even as the freezing rain moves away, some drizzle (freezing) and fog will be possible in the afternoon. With many possibly picking up a tenth or two of an inch of ice (possibly more for some), slick road conditions are very likely. While power outages are a small possibility, a lack of strong winds should help keep that from being a bigger concern. Up north, the chance for accumulating snow will be greater. 1 to 4 inches of snow will be possible for those in North Central to Northeast Nebraska. The other thing worth watching Thursday afternoon is what areas actually rise above freezing. That would help melt some of the ice and make conditions for driving a bit more favorable. That temperatures above freezing are not a guarantee unless you live out west. The sun is expected to come out in the west, which might help temperatures get into the 40s there. But most will only see highs in the low to mid 30s. And honestly, I wouldn’t be surprised to see some remain in the 20s through the day.

The storm system will depart the area Thursday night into Friday morning. Friday could end out being a battle between clouds to the northeast and sun to the southwest. This could lead to a decent spread in highs from the low/mid 30s northeast to the lower 50s southwest. The weekend should feature some decent weather with partly to mostly sunny skies. Saturday’s highs look to range from the upper 30s northeast to the lower 50s southwest. Sunday may be a bit breezy with highs in the 40s and a few lower 50s in the southwest.

Another storm system will then move into the area by Monday and could actually last for several days. Initially, this could be more of a rain event Monday and Monday night with temperatures. Out in Western Nebraska it could be cold enough for snow. Tuesday could feature that transition from rain to wintry precipitation from west to east, but there’s also a chance for some of the area to remain dry due to a dry slot moving from the southwest. Beyond Tuesday, some wrap-around snow may start to move across the area. Some long range models keep it around as long as next Thursday. While this could possibly mean problems due to wintry weather, some very beneficial moisture could be on the way for many. Continue to monitor the forecast for more clarification as next week approaches.

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