672
FXUS63 KLBF 021730
AFDLBF

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service North Platte NE
1130 AM CST Mon Feb 2 2026

.KEY MESSAGES...

- Patchy fog this morning across portions of north central into
  central Nebraska

- Mild temperatures expected for most of western Nebraska and
  the Sandhills today into early this week

- Thursday will be the warmest day of the week with widespread
  50s and 60s

- Precipitation chances Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday
  morning

&&

.SHORT TERM /THROUGH TUESDAY/...
Issued at 416 AM CST Mon Feb 2 2026

The main concern in the short term will be the chance
for patchy fog this morning. Snowmelt during the day increased low
level moisture over areas with the recent snowpack, this in
combination with light winds tonight will lead to patchy fog. At
this time fog looks to remain patchy, generally across north central
into central Nebraska and may linger into the mid morning hours.

As for high temperatures today, did increase a few degrees across
portions of western and southwest Nebraska. Probabilities
suggest at least a 50 percent chance or greater that
temperatures will be at or exceed 54 degrees for areas west of
HWY 83, where the greater influence of downslope winds and WAA
exist.

There will also be elevated fire weather concerns across western
Nebraska with the combination of mid to upper 50s, low RH values
around 25 to 30 percent and breezy northwest winds around 15 to
20 mph with gust up to 35 mph.

&&

.LONG TERM /TUESDAY NIGHT THROUGH SUNDAY/...
Issued at 416 AM CST Mon Feb 2 2026

The upper level ridge remains in place across the western CONUS
through the week, keeping mostly dry and warm conditions
through the week. The exception will be Tuesday evening into
Wednesday morning as a weak disturbance moves in. Rain showers
to rain/snow mix will be possible during the afternoon and early
evening hours. This is expected to transition to all snow after
midnight, this will be in the form of snow showers, given the
potential for a convective type nature for the precipitation,
will have to monitor the potential for snow squalls. At this
time confidence is low in this potential but can`t be completely
ruled out. Any precipitation that does develop, qpf values will
remain low as moisture will be limited.

After Wednesday dry conditions are expected through the end of the
week into the weekend as the upper level ridge continues to progress
eastward with Thursday being the warmest day out of the long term
forecast with widespread 50s and 60s expected. Winds will also be
breezy on Thursday with wind gust of 15 to 20 mph with gust up to 30
mph. The combination of dry conditions, above normal temperatures
and breezy winds will lead to elevated to potential near critical
fire weather concerns Thursday afternoon across portions of
western and southwest Nebraska.

&&

.AVIATION /18Z TAFS THROUGH 18Z TUESDAY/...
Issued at 1129 AM CST Mon Feb 2 2026

Abundant high level cloudiness will continue to lift into
western and northwestern Nebraska this afternoon with broken
ceilings around 20000 FT AGL expected. Lower ceilings will drift
into northern and northeastern Nebraska later tonight as a cold
front passes through the area. Ceilings will approach MVFR
levels at the KVTN terminal after 09z Tuesday with ceilings
ranging from 2500 to 3500 FT AGL.

&&

.LBF WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
None.

&&

$$

SHORT TERM...Gomez
LONG TERM...Gomez
AVIATION...Buttler