textproduct: North Platte

KEY MESSAGES

- Near record temperatures expected today with widespread 60s

- Mild temperatures will continue through into the weekend, with highs approaching 70s across southwest Nebraska

- Temperatures will cool down early next week, along with precipitation chances

SHORT TERM /THROUGH FRIDAY/

Issued at 412 AM CST Thu Feb 5 2026

Upper level ridge over the western CONUS will bring northwest downslope flow to the area. 850 temps ranging from 10 to 14 degrees combined with fairly decent mixing this afternoon will bring widespread 60s to western and north central Nebraska. Did trend the highs towards the 25 percentile to account for this, pushing highs into the upper 60s, approaching 70 degrees across southwest Nebraska. Temperatures will reach near to potentially record temperatures for 3 of the 4 climate sites, see climate section for more information.

There will also be elevated fire weather conditions today. Abnormally warm temperatures, min RH around 23 to 30 percent. Winds will also be breezy out of the northwest around 15 to 20 mph with gust up to 30 mph.

For Friday, a cold front will move southward and clip the northeast portion of the CWA. Temperatures will cool slightly, most notably across north central Nebraska where they will be greater influenced by the Arctic air mass. Highs will be in the 40s across north central Nebraska, with 50s to low 60s across the Sandhills and western Nebraska.

LONG TERM /FRIDAY NIGHT THROUGH WEDNESDAY/

Issued at 412 AM CST Thu Feb 5 2026

Above normal temperatures continue into the weekend as the upper level ridge moves eastward. EFI continues to show anomalous heat over the area with 70 to 80 percent of the members are forecasting temperatures above the climate and could see temperatures approaching records over the weekend if the trend continues. After Monday temperatures will be cooler as the cold front moves across the area late Monday. Dry conditions are expected through Monday, then precipitation chances increase Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday. Fire weather chances will also be elevated Saturday, Sunday and Monday with min RH values ranging from the upper teens to low 20s.

AVIATION /12Z TAFS THROUGH 12Z FRIDAY/

Issued at 541 AM CST Thu Feb 5 2026

LLWS will be possible this morning with gust up to 40 kts out of the northwest. LLWS will also be again possible tonight for both KVTN and KLBF terminal with northwest winds of 40 kts. At the SFC winds will be out of the west northwest around 5 to 10 kts with winds increasing in the afternoon around 10 to 15 kts with gust up to 25 kts. VFR conditions are expected over the next 24 hour period with mostly clear to a few high clouds expected.

CLIMATE

Issued at 412 AM CST Thu Feb 5 2026

Well above normal temperatures are forecasted for today with widespread 60s expected. Temperatures will be nearing record highs for North Platte and Broken Bow. Here are the record highs for the four climate sites along with the forecast high temperature for today.

...........Forecast High.....Record High................

North Platte....68 degrees...69 degrees(1904) Broken Bow......66 degrees...66 degrees(2009)

Valentine.......64 degrees...68 degrees(1963)

Imperial........69 degrees...74 degrees(1904)

LBF WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

None.