textproduct: Omaha/Valley

KEY MESSAGES

- Continued potential for ice movement is expected today for the Platte, Loup and Elkhorn rivers. With the continuous warmer temperatures, we are monitoring these areas closely. A Flood Watch remains in effect through Monday evening.

- Above seasonal temperatures continue through the week along with the potential for record highs being set this afternoon.

- Periodic chances for rain and snow are expected between Wednesday evening and Sunday.

DISCUSSION

Issued at 333 AM CST Mon Feb 9 2026

Weak upper level ridging will be in place over the CWA today, with warmer air advecting into the region. There is increasing concern for the potential for some fire weather conditions this afternoon, particularly for the western portions of our forecast area. Models are showing potential for some gusty winds, due to mixing. Bumped up temperatures a couple of degrees to account for potential additional warming. Winds have also been tweaked to account for gusty winds aloft mixing down to the surface. Near-critical fire weather conditions are expected today as minimum RH values fall into the upper teens to low 20s for a few hours in the afternoon. Southwesterly winds will gust to 20+ mph, with some higher gusts expected within the area with the lowest RH values. We are close on fire weather criteria and if winds or temperatures overachieve a little bit, we could briefly meet headline criteria. Confidence was not high enough to issue the warning. Regardless, if a fire does spark, there could be some issues with fire growth and spread.

As far as high temperatures today, we are expected to reach the mid-60s to mid-70s. Current standing records are as follows:

Lincoln: 68 set in 1954 Omaha: 63 set in 1954 Norfolk: 68 set in 1954

The current temperature forecast has all three sites reaching the 70s, a good five to ten degrees above the records. With the continued warmer temperatures expected, we are still monitoring the Elkhorn, Loup and Platte rivers for ice movement. Ice jams will be possible which could lead to some flooding of low-lying areas along these rivers. A Flood Watch remains in effect through this afternoon for areas along the Platte, Elkhorn and Loup rivers.

A cold front is expected to push into the region late Monday afternoon/evening, shifting winds to the northwest. This will effectively help minimum RH values improve. The fropa will not have an impact on high temperatures on Monday, but cooler air will settle in for the rest of the forecast period.

Above seasonal temperatures will continue through the rest of the period, with highs in the 40s and 50s and lows in the 20s and 30s. Several disturbances will move across the region beginning Wednesday afternoon. This will bring periodic chances (20-40%) for precipitation. Rain will be expected during the daytime hours with snow or a rain/snow mix expected as temperatures drop at night.

AVIATION /06Z TAFS THROUGH 06Z TUESDAY/

Issued at 1103 PM CST Sun Feb 8 2026

VFR conditions are expected to prevail through the forecast period with passing clouds in the FL200-250 layer. Light south winds persist overnight with LLWS developing for a few hours at KOFK and KOMA, beginning at 12z. Winds become southwest by late morning into afternoon at 12-13 kt with gusts of 20-22 kt. Winds switch to northwest at 12-13 kt with higher gusts Monday evening as a cold front moves through the area. Another period of LLWS appears likely at KOMA beginning at 10/00z.

OAX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

NE...Flood Watch through this evening for NEZ016-017-031>033- 042>045-050>053-067. IA...None.