Nebraska – A quiet, mild start before sunrise hides a sharp weather swing set to unfold within 36 hours. Temperatures sit near 43°F in Omaha, with calm skies overhead. But dry air and strengthening winds will quickly elevate fire danger across eastern Nebraska and western Iowa.
According to the National Weather Service in Omaha/Valley, a Fire Weather Watch is in effect from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday. South winds will increase to 15 to 25 mph, with gusts up to 40 mph. Relative humidity may drop as low as 19 percent. Any fire that starts could spread rapidly across dry grasses.
Communities from Douglas and Sarpy counties to Pottawattamie County in Iowa face the highest risk. Outdoor burning is not recommended. Drivers along I-80 and Highway 75 may notice blowing dust in open areas Tuesday afternoon.
Before the fire threat peaks, highs surge to 76°F Tuesday, nearly 30 degrees above normal for mid-February. That warmth fades quickly. By Wednesday, February 18, sunshine returns with highs near 64°F, but a cooler northwest wind begins filtering in.
A sharper cooldown arrives Thursday. Highs drop to the upper 40s, and a chance of rain develops. By Thursday night, colder air may flip rain to snow, with a 60% chance of precipitation. While heavy snow is not certain, slick spots could develop if temperatures fall near freezing.
Looking into President’s Day Week, the 6- to 10-day outlook signals moderating temperatures again across the central Plains. Expect a brief winter reminder late week, followed by a gradual warmup heading into the weekend. Stay alert for upgraded Fire Weather Alerts or late-week Winter Weather statements.
