textproduct: Omaha/Valley

KEY MESSAGES

- A storm system lifting out of northwest Kansas into eastern Nebraska/western Iowa will bring the potential for precipitation Friday. Strong to severe thunderstorms will be possible, particularly along and east of a line from Lincoln to Omaha.

- The severe thunderstorm risk decreases late Friday afternoon/early Friday evening. Precipitation chances continue with rain, a rain/snow mix and snow all possible through Saturday morning.

- Dry conditions set up Saturday evening through Monday morning.

- Another pattern shift brings additional periodic chances for precipitation to the region beginning Monday morning.

DISCUSSION

Issued at 1136 PM CDT Thu Apr 2 2026

Hand analysis shows a surface low over western Iowa this evening, with another low developing on the lee side of the Rockies over eastern Colorado/western Kansas. For the rest of tonight, there will be a small chance of some patchy fog developing over the southwestern portion of the CWA. With recent precipitation, radiational cooling, weak upslope winds and less cloud cover over the area heading into the early morning hours Friday, cannot entirely rule out some patchy fog developing in low-lying areas.

Heading into the day Friday, the low lifts to the northeast over eastern Nebraska and western Iowa. A warm front will lift into east central Nebraska and west central Iowa during the day with a cold front trailing behind it. Within the warm sector, temperatures will warm into the 60s and 70s, while northern areas will remain in the 40s and 50s through the day. Thunderstorms are expected to fire up along the front Friday, with the potential for a few strong to severe thunderstorms. A few storms initially will have the potential of producing some hail and strong winds. Gusty winds will become more of the dominant hazard type as storms congeal into a line and become a little more organized. An isolated tornado risk cannot be entirely ruled out for the extreme southeastern portion of Nebraska. Once the main line of storms moves through, models show a dry slot coming over much of the area as the low progresses northeast.

Wrap around precipitation is expected to push into the region Friday evening for areas north of Hwy 92. Rain will transition over to a rain/snow mix before changing to all snow as temperatures fall. By sunrise Saturday, snow or a rain/snow mix will continue to impact western portions of the CWA. Little to no snow accumulation is expected. Precipitation will taper off southwest to northeast Saturday afternoon as the low continues to lift out of the region. Expect breezy northwest winds gusting to around 30-35mph. Expected highs will range from the mid-40s to mid-50s.

Saturday evening through Monday morning, northwest flow sets up over the region with a ridge over the western CONUS. After several days of moisture across the region, we will finally have a chance to dry out a little bit.

Heading into the latter portions of the forecast period, the pattern changes again with several disturbances sliding through the region. Expect periodic chances for precipitation.

AVIATION /06Z TAFS THROUGH 06Z SATURDAY/

Issued at 1227 AM CDT Fri Apr 3 2026

Low ceilings will move back in overnight, with most locations expected to dip back to MVFR and IFR by 09Z tonight. Patchy fog will work its way into east-central Nebraska by early Friday morning. LNK will be the most likely site to be impacted, with visibilities occasionally dipping to 1-3 SM between 12-18Z Friday morning. Additionally, showers are will likely overspread the region Friday. The best chances for light rain will be between 13-19Z at KOFK (30-50%), 13-21Z at KOMA (40-65%), and 12-19Z at KLNK (20-40%). A few thunderstorms will be possible, especially across far eastern Nebraska and western Iowa, with the best chance for lightning at KOMA after 18Z. Conditions should improve Friday evening, with low ceilings scattering out after 00Z.

OAX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

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