Cooler and Windy Today, Rain Likely Wednesday

Weather pattern change brings cooler temps, rain chances this week in Nebraska

Mar. 31, 2026 at 12:38pm

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A dramatic landscape painting in the style of Caspar David Friedrich, featuring a vast, atmospheric scene with dark, ominous clouds looming over a small town or rural setting in the distance, conveying the overwhelming power of an approaching storm.As a powerful weather system approaches, the vast, sublime scale of the natural world dwarfs the small structures below, hinting at the potential for severe storms to come.Lincoln Today

A weather pattern change is bringing cooler temperatures, windy conditions, and increasing rain chances to Nebraska this week. Today will be partly to mostly cloudy, noticeably cooler, and windy with gusts up to 50 mph possible. The rain chance ramps up on Wednesday, with late afternoon and evening thunderstorms possible in Eastern Nebraska and Northeastern Kansas, some of which could be severe. Snow is also possible in parts of North Central and Northwestern Nebraska late Wednesday night into Thursday morning.

Why it matters

This weather pattern shift marks a significant change from the recent warmer and drier conditions in the region. The cooler temperatures, high winds, and chances of severe storms and snow could impact travel, outdoor activities, and daily routines for residents across Nebraska.

The details

Today, northerly winds of 20 to 35 mph with gusts up to 50 mph will make it feel much cooler, with high temperatures ranging from around 50 to 70 degrees. There is a 20% chance of isolated showers and thunderstorms in Southeastern Nebraska and Northeastern Kansas, with the potential for a few isolated severe storms. On Wednesday, an 80% chance of rain is expected, with late afternoon and evening thunderstorms possible in Eastern Nebraska and Northeastern Kansas. Some of these storms could be severe, with large hail and damaging winds as the main threats. Overnight Wednesday into Thursday morning, snow is possible in parts of North Central and Northwestern Nebraska, which could impact travel in those areas.

  • Today, north winds will be 20 to 35 mph with gusts up to 50 mph.
  • Tonight, there will be a 20% to 30% chance of rain.
  • Wednesday, there is an 80% chance of rain, with late afternoon and evening thunderstorms possible.
  • Late Wednesday night into Thursday morning, snow is possible in parts of North Central and Northwestern Nebraska.
  • Friday, there is another chance of rain in mainly Northern and Eastern Nebraska, with some snow possible in Northern Nebraska.

The players

Brandon Rector

The author of the original weather report article.

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What’s next

Residents in Nebraska should closely monitor the weather forecast and be prepared for the changing conditions, including the potential for severe storms, snow, and travel impacts later this week.

The takeaway

This weather pattern change marks a significant shift from the recent warmer and drier conditions in Nebraska, with cooler temperatures, high winds, and chances of severe storms and snow that could impact daily life and routines for residents across the state.