Omaha, Neb. – Nebraska skies will stay smoky into Friday morning as Canadian wildfire haze mixes with a chance for strong storms overnight. Residents across Omaha and eastern Nebraska face poor air quality and a 30 percent chance of thunderstorms that could bring hail and gusty winds.
According to the National Weather Service in Omaha, an Air Quality Alert remains in effect until 11 a.m. Friday for much of eastern Nebraska. Sensitive groups, including children, older adults, and those with heart or lung conditions, should limit time outdoors. Drivers along I-80 and Highway 75 could encounter reduced visibility from lingering haze.
Thunderstorms may form late Thursday evening into early Friday, with the best chance for severe activity between 9 p.m. and midnight. Any storm that strengthens could drop small hail and produce wind gusts over 40 mph. Travelers heading into early Friday should monitor conditions closely.
By Friday, skies turn mostly sunny with calmer winds and highs near 69. The smoke is expected to lift gradually, improving air quality for weekend outdoor events. Saturday and Sunday bring classic early fall weather with sunshine, highs in the upper 60s, and crisp overnight lows in the 40s.
More showers may return by Monday night into Tuesday, though severe weather risk remains low. Residents should continue to check for updates, as advisories may extend if smoke levels remain elevated.
Five-Day Forecast for Omaha, Nebraska:
- Friday: Mostly sunny, high near 69. Winds up to 17 mph.
- Saturday: Sunny, high near 68. Calm winds becoming northwest around 6 mph.
- Sunday: Sunny, high near 69. Calm winds, low around 51 overnight.
- Monday: Partly cloudy, high near 72. Slight chance of showers late.
- Tuesday: Partly sunny, high near 70. South winds up to 11 mph.
