textproduct: Omaha/Valley

KEY MESSAGES

- A mixture of rain and snow (40-60% chance) Wednesday afternoon, with any snow remaining northeast of a line from Norfolk to Omaha, before exiting late Wednesday evening.

- Highs continue climbing through the remainder of the work week, peaking on Friday in the 60s and 70s.

- Cooler temperatures arrive this weekend as a large trough develops over the eastern United States. Precipitation chances also return with the potential for snow by Sunday.

DISCUSSION

Issued at 1107 PM CST Tue Feb 24 2026

Increasing cloud cover and weak reflectivity returns aloft are indicative of an approaching shortwave trough. This trough is rounding the top of the ridge over the Rockies and will influence the region on Wednesday. Temperatures start off cold in the 20s as a broad warm frontal zone develops from northwest to southeast across the area from near Norfolk to Omaha. Temperatures climb into the 40s and 50s south of this front with cooler temperatures in the lower 40s and upper 30s to the north. During this time, a 40-60% chance of precipitation overspreads the region. Rain will be the primary precipitation type for areas along and south of the front. Areas to the north are expected to see more of a mix of rain and snow. These areas may also change to all snow by evening as temperatures fall below freezing. While some snow is anticipated, accumulations will be minimal with perhaps a slushy dusting for these areas. Overall, the main concern will be some icy spots as any rain and snow freezes overnight as temperatures fall into the 20s by Thursday morning.

Any ice or snow will be short-lived as temperatures are expected to warm through the remainder of the week. Westerly winds and plentiful sunshine pushes temperatures well into the 50s to near 60 by Thursday afternoon. The warm temperatures peak on Friday with 60s being common across the region with some locations flirting with 70.

Unfortunately, the warm weather is not going to last, as a large trough begins to take shape over the eastern half of the United States. This pushes cooler temperatures back into the region by the weekend. Additional disturbances rounding this trough should also support precipitation chances this weekend. Currently, the best chance (20-40%) of precipitation appears to arrive on Sunday. Mostly snow is forecast, but impacts appear minor at this time with the worst impacts focused east of the area. This will continued to be monitored as there remains a fair bit of spread between model solutions on the exact timing and strength of this system. Temperatures begin to climb once again next week with perhaps some lingering precipitation chances.

AVIATION /12Z TAFS THROUGH 12Z THURSDAY/

Issued at 517 AM CST Wed Feb 25 2026

Despite some radar returns across the area this morning, do not expect any flurries to reach the surface or aerodromes thanks to a dry sub-cloud layer (10% chance). Have kept precip chances away until late this afternoon/evening with best chances on the eastern half of the area. Considered leaving precip out of the Lincoln TAF, but ran with PROB30 at all three TAF sites. Most precip will fall as rain, but some flakes will mix in, especially at KOFK. No accums are expected.

Winds drive the other line changes in the TAFs as winds will be changing direction through the day. Northerly winds this morning will become southeasterly by noon and will be primarily out of the east by 6pm.

OAX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

NE...None. IA...None.