KEARNEY — Chances for snow will return to central Nebraska on Thursday, while the dangerous cold will filter back into the area during the evening.
“On Thursday, another shortwave within larger trough of Arctic air will push into the area. This will bring us a chance for snow. The current expectation is for a dusting to two inches, although latest models are trending northward with the heaviest axis of snow,” the National Weather Service – Hastings notes.
The best chances for the heaviest snow will be north of Highway 92, areas to the southwest could see under an inch.
Northerly wind gusts of 25-40 mph may lead to blowing and drifting snow.
“This could lead to blowing of the existing snowpack, and if snowfall amounts increase again, a Winter Weather Advisory may be needed,” NWS Hastings states.
The continued north winds will drive wind chills below – 20 for the entire area on Thursday night and a Wind Chill Advisory has been set from 6 p.m. Thursday through 12 p.m. Friday.
Winds will gradually decrease on Friday and into the evening. Clear skies, coupled with decreasing winds, will allow temperatures to plummet and some spots could dip below – 20 degrees. A Wind Chill Watch has been issued for the entire area.
A warming trend should take hold through the weekend and into early next week. Upper-level flow turns more southwesterly, with multiple shortwaves potentially bringing some chances for light rain to the region Monday night through Wednesday night.
There could be wintry precipitation with theses systems as well, but there is a concern if rain materializes, it could lead to fairly rapid snow melting and potentially for ice jam flooding.
The main time frame appears to be next Wednesday to Thursday.
