Area Forecast Discussion Issued by NWS Hastings, NE
000
FXUS63 KGID 152022
AFDGID
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Hastings NE
322 PM CDT Fri Mar 15 2024
.KEY MESSAGES...
- Heightened fire weather concerns are expected Saturday through
Monday with Sunday bringing the highest concern with the
strongest winds.
- There is a slight chance (15% to 30%) of rain Wednesday night
into next Friday.
- Northern portions of the forecast area may experience a
rain/snow mix Thursday night into next Friday.
- Temperatures will be on a warming trend until cold fronts
arrive both this weekend and on Thursday.
&&
.DISCUSSION...
Issued at 318 PM CDT Fri Mar 15 2024
Today and tonight...
A big upper low is centered over southeast California and southwest
Arizona. This upper low is cut off from an upper trough centered
over Canada that extends over the Upper Midwest. South central and
central Nebraska and north central Kansas are in between these two
features. A surface ridge is across the area with winds generally
out of the north to west. High temperatures today will be in the mid
50s to lower 60s. Low temperatures tonight will be in the 30s with
mostly westerly winds.
Saturday through Sunday night...
The upper trough over the Upper Midwest will deepen on Saturday with
a cold front moving into the area. Temperatures on Saturday are
expected to warm up to the mid 50s to mid 60s despite the front. Dry
conditions are expected across much of the area on Saturday with
humidity values of 20% to around 25%. Winds will be highest across
areas generally north of I-80 with speeds of 15 to 25 mph. These
winds and humidity values will result in near critical fire weather
conditions for Saturday across mainly northern portions of the
forecast area. Temperatures Saturday night will cool a bit with lows
ranging from the mid 20s to mid 30s. Northerly winds will continue
across the area on Sunday as the colder air moves into Nebraska and
Kansas. High temperatures on Sunday will range from the mid 40s to
mid 50s. Wind gusts on Sunday will generally range from 25 mph to 40
mph. Humidity values on Sunday will be similar to the previous day
with values around 20% to 25%. This combination of humidity and
gusty winds will likely create near critical to critical fire
weather conditions. Temperatures Sunday night will continue to drop
with lows in the upper teens to mid 20s with a surface high across
the area under clear skies.
Monday through next Friday...
Winds will be out of the west on Monday with the upper trough over
the Midwest moving eastward. High temperatures on Monday will range
from the lower 50s to lower 60s. Widespread humidity values in the
upper teens to mid 20s are expected on Monday but winds will be
lighter than the previous day. These conditions may still lead to
elevated to near critical fire weather on Monday. Warmer conditions
are expected Monday night with lows ranging from the mid 30s to
lower 40s. A northerly wind shift is expected on Tuesday, but
temperatures will warm up into the 60s to lower 70s despite the
northerly wind shift. Temperatures will cool into the 30s Tuesday
night under clear skies. An upper trough will move over Colorado and
New Mexico on Wednesday with southeasterly to southerly surface
winds across south central and central Nebraska and north central
Kansas. High temperatures on Wednesday will be around a few degrees
warmer than those from the previous day. Low temperatures Wednesday
night will warm up slightly with lows ranging from the mid 30s to
mid 40s. A cold front will push into the area on Thursday; however,
temperatures are still expected to warm up into the 60s. There is a
slight chance (15% to 30%) of rain Wednesday night through next
Friday. Northern portions of the area may see a rain/snow mix
Thursday night into next Friday. Low temperatures will drop into the
mid 20s to mid 30s Thursday night. Cooler temperatures are expected
next Friday behind the front with highs ranging from the lower 50s
to lower 60s.
&&
.AVIATION /18Z TAFS THROUGH 18Z SATURDAY/...
Issued at 1226 PM CDT Fri Mar 15 2024
VFR conditions are expected for the next 24 hours. Northerly
winds will become westerly by 21z today. Winds will then become
southwesterly by 03z. Winds will once again become westerly by
12z then northwest by 15z.
&&
.GID WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
NE...None.
KS...None.
&&
$$
DISCUSSION...Schuldt
AVIATION...Schuldt