Cloud iridescence viewed in Phelps County, (Brian Neben, Central Nebraska Today)
HASTINGS — The temperatures will feel like spring this week with above normal temperatures, reaching the 80s late week. The next chance for widespread precipitation chances comes Friday into Saturday.
The spring-like feeling this week will be due to the persistent above normal temperatures, followed by widespread rain chances this weekend and perhaps some strong storms later in the week, but is dependent on the track of the low-pressure system.
For Monday afternoon, there will be another afternoon of strong northwest winds, sustaining at 15-25 mph with gusts up to 30-35 mph. Highs will climb into the upper 60s for the Tri-Cities area.
Tuesday will be broadly similar to Monday, but with lighter winds. The stronger winds will finally wind down on Wednesday as upper-level flow turns more southerly and high pressure ridging begins to build into area from the west.
Wednesday should be pleasant by late March standards with highs into the upper 60s and lower 70s south of the Tri-Cities. The warm air advection and modest moisture advection could lead to low end showers Wednesday night into Friday.
Strong southerly flow should be established by Thursday and continue into Friday as a deepening area of low pressure occurs ahead of the next storm system.
Temperatures will be downright hot on Friday with temperatures in the 80s and even the 90s for south of the state line.
The widespread precipitation for the area, mainly in the form of rain, will arrive on Friday evening into Saturday night. The current forecast track of the low pressure system would keep the region on the northwest side of the system with precipitation being forced behind an elevated front.
Any rain amounts would be in the 0.25-0.50 inch range, but there could be locally higher amounts with any initial development near the low level frontal zone that would be more convective.
The lack of cold air both ahead of and during the passage of the system means chances for accumulating snow are low, but this could change if the system slows and becomes more phased with the cold air that is in place to the north.
The widespread clouds, precipitation and eventual cold air advection will knock temperatures back into the 40s and 50s on Sunday.
