While Lincolnites can expect hot, mostly dry weather on Thursday, the outlook for Friday evening’s Fourth of July festivities is more uncertain, with a growing chance for thunderstorms to move through the area.
National Weather Service meteorologist Clint Aegerter said temperatures on Thursday will reach the mid-90s, with a heat index nearing 100 degrees. But with slightly cooler temperatures Friday, attention will turn to the possibility of rain and storms heading into the evening.
Aegerter said storms are most likely to develop Friday afternoon in central Nebraska and push eastward through the evening.
“We’re looking at a 50 to 60 percent chance for storms between about 7 p.m. and midnight,” he said. “It’s the big question of whether the storms will be here yet when people are starting to light fireworks, or if they’ll still be moving in from the west.”
While some isolated storms could pop up earlier, the main line is expected later in the night, Aegerter said. He emphasized that the risk for severe weather currently appears low.
“We could see some heavy rain, lightning, gusty winds, maybe some small hail,” he said. “But overall, the severe weather threat is looking pretty low at this time.”
He added that breezy south winds during the afternoon—possibly gusting 20 to 30 miles per hour—could help disperse smoke from fireworks, which local health officials warn may temporarily worsen air quality.
Aegerter encouraged residents to stay weather-aware and check for updates leading up to Friday evening.