Clouds dominate the skies across the area on this cold and blustery Friday, although a glimpse of sunshine may be seen in the western region. The wind blows from the east southeast at 10 to 20 mph, accompanied by gusts of 20 to 30 mph, intensifying the chill in the air.
Morning temperatures range from the upper 0s to the low to mid 10s, with only a slight increase expected in the afternoon to the mid to upper 20s and lower 30s. However, the primary concern lies with the moisture that will move into the area later today.
By the mid to late afternoon, freezing drizzle or freezing rain will likely be the main form of precipitation, with only a possibility of light snow or sleet. This moisture will primarily affect areas near and east of highway 281, eventually transitioning into rain for some.
As we move into the evening, temperatures on the surface in Northeast Kansas and Southeast Nebraska will rise to near or above freezing. This will cause the rain to no longer freeze on the ground in these areas and the accumulated ice will start to melt.
The highest chance of this happening will be late tonight and tomorrow morning, particularly near and south of Interstate 80. Areas north of the interstate are likely to remain below freezing throughout the night. By sunrise tomorrow morning, most of the precipitation will have moved east of Highway 81.
Another concern overnight will be the development of fog, possibly freezing fog, even in areas that receive minimal rainfall. In western regions, some areas will experience clearing overnight.
The total ice accumulation for those impacted will generally be less than one-tenth of an inch, though there could be slightly more to the north of I-80 in Eastern Nebraska.
Rain and freezing rain will continue to persist in Eastern Nebraska during the day on Saturday. However, by the afternoon, most areas will experience dry conditions with only a few scattered instances of very light precipitation.
The western half of the region will enjoy more sunshine, resulting in temperatures warming up into the 40s and even 50s. The warmest temperatures can be expected in the far west. Conversely, the eastern half of the area will have a harder time getting rid of cloud cover, which will keep temperatures relatively lower, hovering around the 30s for highs.
In some areas, temperatures may even dip below freezing in the morning, prolonging the icy conditions, particularly north of Interstate 80.
Saturday night in Eastern Nebraska, there is a possibility of persistent thick clouds and the potential development of more fog in central and eastern areas. This could once again raise concerns about freezing fog. Additionally, a few additional clouds will gradually build in from the west.
Although thicker clouds may linger in the east on Sunday morning, the majority of the region can expect a partly sunny day as temperatures rise. Highs will vary from the mid-40s in the northeast to the mid to upper 50s in the south and west.
Cooler air will start moving in from the north on Monday, bringing with it the possibility of some precipitation in Northern Nebraska. High temperatures will range from the lower 40s in the north to the lower 50s in the south.
Tuesday will see a slight drop in temperatures, with highs ranging from the mid 30s in the north to the lower 50s in the south. Wednesday will be even colder for most, with highs ranging from the mid 30s in the northeast to near 50° in the west.
However, temperatures will rise again on Thursday, reaching the mid 40s to mid 50s. Towards the end of the week, there will be another blast of colder air, but the trend suggests that temperatures will warm up again early in the week of Christmas. As of now, my forecast for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day shows highs in the 40s and 50s, with dry weather.