Overview
- On Tuesday, a Pacific low brought heavy showers to the Bay Area with a roughly 40% chance of lightning and prompted a Sierra winter storm warning for 12–18 inches of snow above 5,000 feet.
- A broad warm spell pushed highs into the 70s and 80s across central and eastern states, with more midweek warmth expected before a cooler turn in some northern zones later this week.
- The Storm Prediction Center favors areas near and east of Omaha for severe storms late Thursday, and the timing of a cold front will likely decide where the worst hail, wind, or a brief tornado risk sets up.
- Dry air and south winds led to Red Flag Warnings in parts of Nebraska, including Polk and York counties, raising the risk of fast‑spreading grass fires.
- In the Northern Rockies, Billings and eastern Montana anticipate stronger winds, cooler temperatures, and rain changing to mountain snow from late Wednesday through Friday, with gusts that could exceed 60 mph.