textproduct: North Platte

KEY MESSAGES

- High confidence in dry conditions through next weekend.

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

SHORT TERM /THROUGH WEDNESDAY NIGHT/

Issued at 302 PM CDT Sun Jul 12 2026

Upper level ridging will keep surface high pressure settled over the central US through the beginning of the week. 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, 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 through mid-week. Some stronger winds will also be possible during the daytime with gusts up to 30 mph at times. Otherwise, conditions will remain dry with clear to mostly clear skies.

LONG TERM /THURSDAY THROUGH SUNDAY/

Issued at 302 PM CDT Sun Jul 12 2026

Heading this 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 mid 90s to low 100s into the first half of the weekend. However, latest probabilities suggest these highs may still be a few degrees too cold, especially on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. The probability of hitting 95 degrees or higher is near 60 percent for most locations with up to a 80 percent (or higher) probability along and north of US-20. Looking at the potential of hitting 100 degrees of higher, there is currently a 50 to 60 percent probability across northern and portions of north central Nebraska (generally along and north of US-20) on Friday and Saturday. 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, potentially higher, across portions of north central Nebraska by late week. At this time, holding off on any heat headlines, but if this warming trend is persistent and confidence remains high in achieving these highs, 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 MONDAY/

Issued at 1248 PM CDT Sun Jul 12 2026

VFR conditions will prevail through Monday 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 through early this evening. Across northern Nebraska, these gusts will likely continue through Monday morning, with little reprieve. Further to the south, the stronger winds this afternoon will lessen overnight before increasing once again by early Monday afternoon.

LBF WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

None.