Drought expands across Nebraska; severe weather possible Friday | Local

According to the latest Drought Monitor from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, which is up from about 62% last week.

22% of the state is now in extreme drought, which is more than double the percentage from last week.

Extreme drought now stretches from southwest Nebraska across a thin strip of central Nebraska and into north-central and northeast areas of the state. More than two dozen counties are at least partially in severe drought.

Many precipitation locations have been viewed over the past month and a half.

According to the National Weather Service’s Hastings office, Greeley has received only 0.19 inches of precipitation over that period, which is 94% below the 30-year average for that time period. Order is in a similar situation, having only 0.28 inches of precipitation, 92% below the 30-year average.

Much of that same area has not been recorded in the year of precipitation since the start of the year. Albion, for example, has gotten only 0.38 inches since Jan. 1, which is 3.73 inches below normal.

Lincoln has received 2.37 inches of precipitation since March 1 and 2.68 inches since the start of the year.

Still, Lincoln’s total precipitation since Jan. 1 is about 1.6 inches below normal, which is why the city and All of Lancaster County is in moderate drought.

The good news is that there are some decent chances for rain over the next few days.

Most areas are likely to see less than half an inch.

The best chance for rain in the Lincoln area appears to be Thursday night into Friday morning. The weather service is forecasting a 60% chance of rain, with up to half an inch possible.

Friday, when Lincoln will be in the area of ​​slight risk. It has a marginal risk for severe weather Thursday and Saturday.

Friday’s weather could also be hazardous for another reason: high winds. A warm front pushing through the area is expected to bring high winds of 20-30 mph and gusts of 40 mph.