December sunrise near Kearney, (Brian Neben, Central Nebraska Today)
HASTINGS — The large swings in temperature across central Nebraska will continue, the middle of the work week looks to be cold with another rebound by the weekend.
High temperatures look to reach the 40s today, which is close to seasonal averages. A secondary cold front will move across the area this afternoon and wind gusts will pick up, with 45 mph possible to the north of the Tri-Cities, according to the National Weather Service – Hastings.
For Tuesday, there will be a surge of cold air as an upper-level longwave trough will move toward northeastern Nebraska.
High temperatures will likely be in the 30s with a small chance for light snow or flurries, mainly north and east of the Tri-Cities.
“Overall, no significant precipitation appears to be on the horizon with the only small chance for precipitation coming Tuesday afternoon and evening,” per the NWS Hastings.
As the longwave trough gradually shifts east during the middle of the week, cold air at the surface is expected to persist with high temperatures on Wednesday and Thursday, not expected to climb above freezing for most areas.
Temperatures will rebound to normal by Friday and will reach the lower 50s over the weekend as weak high pressure ridging aloft moves into the area.
The next chance for precipitation looks to come in the middle of next week, so there will be at least another seven to ten days will pass before the area sees even the potential for precipitation.
Going day by day, Tuesday will be mostly sunny with a high near 40, winds will be breezy out of the northwest at 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph. There is a chance of flurries before noon.
Wednesday will be mostly sunny with a high near 34, winds will be out of the northwest at 5-10 mph, shifting to the northeast in the afternoon. Thursday will be mostly sunny with a high near 32.
Friday will be mostly sunny with a high near 40.
Saturday will be sunny with a high near 48 and Sunday will be mostly sunny with a high near 50 degrees.
