Storms scour out the heat...Cooler on Friday

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. (KNOP) SCOTTSBLUFF,Neb. (KNEP)- Long standing record high temperatures were broken over Southwest Nebraska today. North Platte hit a high of 96 degree breaking a 130 year old record of 94 going back to 1891. Imperial tied a 1948 record with a high of 97.

Long standing record were broking in N. Platte and tied in Imperial. — Long standing record were broking in N. Platte and tied in Imperial.(KNOP)

A cold front will push into the I-80 corridor just after midnight, with thunderstorm cluster moving northeast out of Southwest Nebraska ahead of the front. There could be some further development in the overnight behind the threat but the worst of the severe threat will be behind us. Strong non-storm related wind gusts were established in the Panhandle and will work their way into the Sandhills overnight. Gusty northwinds up to 45 mph will continue into Friday morning.

That process involves thunderstorms...some of which will be could be strong along I-80 and... — That process involves thunderstorms...some of which will be could be strong along I-80 and accompanying the front to the north.(KNOP)

A 2 in 5 chance for mainly damaging winds in the northern area. While near North Platte a hail... — A 2 in 5 chance for mainly damaging winds in the northern area. While near North Platte a hail and strong winds are possible before sunset...(KNOP)

The storms will end from northwest to southeast late tonight with clearing skies to follow. Some residual clouds will still be in place over the far southern parts of the state to begin the day on Friday. Skies will gradually clear from northwest to southeast through the day. The winds will cut back some by the afternoon. It will be a cool, autumn-like day with temperatures widespread in the 70s.

The weekend will turn warmer with temperatures in the upper 80s to lower 90s both Saturday and Sunday. Early next week, a fast moving upper level trough of low pressure will pull in cooler air as it slide across the Northern Plains. Highs by Tuesday will only reach the 60s with some morning lows in the high country of the Panhandle falling into the 40s and 30s. The trough will slide through rather quickly leaving the better chances for meaningful rain well east toward the Missouri River Valley. For Western Nebraska we are looking at small chances for thunderstorms but mostly breezy, cooler conditions.

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