textproduct: North Platte

KEY MESSAGES

- High confidence in dry conditions through next week.

- High confidence in hot, above normal temperatures returning through Friday.

SHORT TERM /THROUGH SUNDAY NIGHT/

Issued at 309 PM CDT Sat Jul 11 2026

Upper level ridging will allow for surface high pressure to settle over the central US through the weekend. With warm air advection pushing a warmer airmass across the Rockies and into the western Great Plains, temperatures will begin a gradual warming trend. With 850 mb temperatures in the 22 to 30 C range through Sunday, expect highs to range from the low 90s across southwest and south central Nebraska to the upper 90s north of US-20. These highs will be nearly 5 to 10 degrees above normal (normal in the low 90s). Overnight lows will also begin to slowly rise, dropping into the low to mid 60s tonight and mid to upper 60s on Sunday. Some stronger winds will also be possible through the daytime with gusts up to 30 mph at times. Otherwise, conditions will remain dry through Sunday night with clear to mostly clear skies.

LONG TERM /MONDAY THROUGH SATURDAY/

Issued at 309 PM CDT Sat Jul 11 2026

Heading into next week, strong upper level ridging remains across the region keeping surface high pressure over the central Plains. Dry conditions are expected to persist through next week with a return to much hotter temperatures. Expect highs to rise into the low 90s to low 100s through at least Friday. However, latest probabilities suggest these highs may still be a few degrees too cold, especially on Thursday and Friday across northern Nebraska. The probability of hitting 95 degrees over 50 percent for most locations with up to a 75 percent (or higher) probability along and north of US-20. Therefore, if trends continue to increase, I wouldn't be surprised to see highs a few more degrees warmer from what is currently being forecasted. These forecasted highs could result in heat indicies in the 100 to 105 degree range across portions of north central Nebraska by late week. At this time, no heat headlines have been issued, but if this warming trend is persistent, they may be necessary.

In addition, there is a strong signal that there will be some strong winds throughout the week. Gusts up to 30 to 40 mph could easily be achieved, with potentially higher gusts especially across the Sandhills. While not quite warning criteria, these stronger winds will pose a threat to fire weather concerns, returning to near- critical by mid to end of the week.

AVIATION /18Z TAFS THROUGH 18Z SUNDAY/

Issued at 1210 PM CDT Sat Jul 11 2026

VFR conditions will prevail through Sunday as upper level ridging and surface high pressure remains over the region. The only major aviation concern will some stronger south southeast winds with gusts up to 25 knots expected. Across northern Nebraska, these gusts will likely continue this afternoon through Sunday morning, with little reprieve. Further to the south, the stronger winds this afternoon will lessen overnight before increasing once again on Sunday morning.

LBF WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

None.