Omaha residents should prepare for spotty storms expected to arrive tonight, potentially bringing small hail. The good news? Tuesday is shaping up to be another pleasant day. Stay informed with Chief Meteorologist Bill Randby’s insights on the evening’s weather and a clarification regarding the Douglas County tornado sirens.
This weather update is crucial for planning evening activities and staying safe during potential thunderstorms. Knowing what to expect allows residents to take necessary precautions and remain aware of any advisories.
Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know: the timing and intensity of the approaching storms, details on the Douglas County Emergency Management Agency’s statement regarding the sirens, and a look ahead at Tuesday’s favorable forecast.
Spotty Storms Expected Tonight
Omaha is bracing for spotty storms this evening, with a possibility of small hail. According to Chief Meteorologist Bill Randby, the storms are expected to move into the area before 11 PM. While the storms may bring some gusty winds, they are not anticipated to be severe. Residents are advised to stay indoors during the storms and monitor local weather updates.
Randby mentioned in his forecast, ‘There’s some rain starting to approach the metro from the west. The question is, will the south edge hold together or will it lift north?’ He further explained that the rain chances are higher north of the Omaha metro, with the storms expected to exit into western Iowa between 11 PM and 1 AM.
Temperatures will remain mild, with a high of 75 degrees today, nine degrees above the average. The low for tonight is expected to be around 51 degrees. While the area is slightly below average in rainfall for the month and the year, the upcoming rain is a welcome sign.
Douglas County Emergency Management Clarifies Siren Activation
The Douglas County Emergency Management Agency issued a statement addressing the erroneous sounding of tornado sirens Monday night. The agency clarified that there was no active siren threat and that the sirens were triggered in error.
The statement read: ‘Sirens have sounded in error. There is no active siren threat at this time. There is an active thunderstorm warning in effect for some parts of the county at this time, but the severity of the storm does not rise to the level where siren auto-activation should have been triggered.’
The agency thanked the public for their patience as they continue to refine siren activation strategies to balance public safety with best warning practices and technological advancements. This clarification aims to prevent confusion and ensure that residents respond appropriately to future alerts.
Looking Ahead: A Great Day on Tuesday
Following tonight’s spotty storms, Tuesday is expected to be a much more pleasant day. Randby highlighted that Tuesday could be one of the top ten days of the year for outdoor activities, with light winds and comfortable temperatures.
The forecast for Tuesday includes a low of 51 degrees at 8 AM, rising to 64 degrees by noon, and reaching a high of 75 degrees by 5 PM. The chance of measurable rain at Eppley Airfield is around 40% tonight, with showers and thunderstorms expected between 10:30 PM and midnight.
While there is a slight chance of rain late Tuesday night into Wednesday and Thursday, the overall outlook for the week includes a good chance of rain on Sunday, which will be beneficial for the dry conditions in the area.
Pollen Count Update
The recent light rain on Sunday helped to reduce the pollen count in the air. Currently, there is a medium count of tree pollen. This is good news for those who suffer from allergies, as the rain washes away pollen and other allergens, providing some relief.
The camera at the Methodist Women’s Hospital shows a view to the northwest with a couple of lightning strikes in the distance. Temperatures are in the 60s with a south wind at 18 mph. Areas that have experienced rain, such as Columbus and Norfolk, have temperatures in the 50s.
While winds may briefly become gusty with the showers as they move through, the overall pollen count is expected to remain manageable, thanks to the recent rainfall.
Key Takeaways for Omaha Residents
In summary, Omaha residents should be aware of spotty storms approaching tonight, with the potential for small hail. It’s important to stay informed about weather updates and heed any warnings issued by local authorities.
The Douglas County Emergency Management Agency has clarified the erroneous sounding of tornado sirens, emphasizing that there is no active threat. Residents should remain patient as the agency works to improve its siren activation strategies.
Looking ahead, Tuesday promises to be a great day for outdoor activities, with comfortable temperatures and light winds. The chance of rain later in the week is a positive sign for the region, which is currently experiencing dry conditions. Stay safe and enjoy the upcoming weather!
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