Omaha, Neb. – Cooler-than-normal weather will continue across eastern Nebraska and southwest Iowa today as a widespread round of beneficial rain develops overnight, bringing much-needed moisture to farms, lawns and waterways before ending Friday morning.
According to the National Weather Service in Omaha/Valley, scattered showers will continue through Thursday before another round of showers and a few thunderstorms develops around midnight, lasting into Friday morning. While a few rumbles of thunder are possible, severe weather is not expected.
Forecasters say the best opportunity for meaningful rainfall has shifted slightly south, with many communities across southeast Nebraska having a strong chance of receiving measurable precipitation. Areas including Beatrice, Lincoln, Nebraska City, Auburn and Falls City have some of the highest probabilities of picking up at least one-quarter inch of rain, with many locations also carrying a good chance of one-half inch or more before the system exits Friday.
Farther north, including Omaha, Blair, Fremont and Sioux City, rainfall is still expected, although totals may be somewhat lighter than areas farther south. Even so, the rain will provide beneficial moisture after recent warm and dry conditions.
Motorists should be prepared for wet roads during the Friday morning commute, especially where heavier showers or thunderstorms develop overnight. Lightning will also be possible with any thunderstorms.
The National Weather Service says rainfall should taper off Friday morning, allowing improving conditions heading into the weekend. Additional forecast updates will refine expected rainfall amounts if thunderstorms become more widespread overnight.
