Columbus, Nebraska Weather Forecast Discussion

431
FXUS63 KOAX 261918
AFDOAX
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Omaha/Valley NE
218 PM CDT Fri Sep 26 2025
.KEY MESSAGES...
- Above average temperatures will continue into next week with
  highs generally in the upper 70s to mid 80s.
- Dry conditions are expected to persist into next week.
&&
.DISCUSSION...
Issued at 216 PM CDT Fri Sep 26 2025
Water vapor imagery this afternoon displays a mid- to upper-level
ridge centered over the south-central CONUS. At the surface, high
pressure overspreads much of the east-central CONUS, bringing clear
skies to the area and afternoon highs expected in the low to mid
80s, about 5 to 10 degrees above the climatological average for late
September. The primary concern today will be wildfire smoke
lingering in the area, with some minor impacts expected at the
surface.
Tonight into Saturday morning, a shortwave trough pivoting across
the Dakotas/Manitoba will help to push a weak cold front through the
area. Limited moisture will bring a dry frontal with surface winds
veering from southerly to northerly through its passage. The shift
in winds will help to clear the remaining wildfire smoke from the
area. The post-frontal airmass will bring a small dip in Saturday
temperatures with highs expected in the mid 70s to low 80s with
overnight lows into Sunday morning expected into the upper 40s to
low 50s.
Through the remainder of the weekend into early next week, mid- to
upper-level riding will continue to overspread the central Plains,
bringing continued seasonably warm temperatures. Highs will continue
generally in the upper 70s to mid 80s with overnight lows in the
upper 50s and 60s. Wildfire smoke may begin to pivot back into
the area on Sunday, though surface impacts are expected to
remain minimal. The primary concerns through the week will be
patchy morning fog and fire weather concerns as we begin a
stretch with little precipitation, though no day currently
stands out as particularly low RH or windy.
The continued ridging will help to keep dry conditions through much
of the week. A weak wave is expected to briefly damped the ridge
late Monday into early Tuesday, though the limited moisture in place
will keep precipitation chances negligible. Thursday into Friday, a
high amplitude trough begins to push into the region, bringing the
return of southwesterly flow aloft and precipitation chances. PoPs
currently peak at 20% to end the work week. However, the warm
temperatures are expected to stick around as both the 6-10 and 8-14
day outlooks from the CPC continue to favor above average
temperatures for much of the central CONUS.
&&
.AVIATION /18Z TAFS THROUGH 18Z SATURDAY/...
Issued at 1131 AM CDT Fri Sep 26 2025
VFR conditions are expected to prevail throughout the forecast
period. Winds will remain out of the south at 8-12 kts, with a
few gusts up to 20 kts possible at KOFK this afternoon. A cold
front is expected to push through the area from north to south
Saturday morning, veering winds to northwesterly and eventually
northerly. A few high clouds (FL250) are expected with the
frontal passage.
&&
.OAX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
NE...None.
IA...None.
&&
$$
DISCUSSION...Wood
AVIATION...Wood

NWS OAX Office Area Forecast Discussion