Few bright spots in forecast

Rick Chermok knows you're not going to like his weather forecast.

“I don't want to hear it either,” said Chermok, meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Valley.

Rainy, alternating with miserable.

A moisture-rich storm system is extending over the Great Plains and into the Northeast. Much of the country is expected to see rain today and Thursday.

With some luck, the rain will taper off Friday in eastern Nebraska — and there will be a slight break before the projected return of clouds Saturday night.

“I wouldn't bank on seeing a lot of sun for now,” Chermok said. “We'll just be pleasantly surprised if it does come out.”

One to 2 inches of rain is possible in the next few days, Chermok said. According to the computer models used to forecast weather, totals of around 3 inches aren't beyond possible.

Today is likely to see a constant patter of rain and drizzle, Chermok said. Thunderstorms are possible. Omaha's high is expected to be in the mid-50s.

Thursday, temperatures are projected to drop — the high may not top 42 degrees. Those temperatures, along with more rain, should make for a miserable day, Chermok said.

Snow is unlikely in the Lincoln and Omaha areas, Chermok said. But temperatures are going to edge low enough that there will be a slim chance.

“It's going to be close,” he said.

For now, the snow-rain transition is projected to fall northwest of Omaha along a line from David City to Tekamah, Chermok said.

Sunny days have been in short supply so far this month. On only two days have the skies in Omaha met the National Weather Service's definition of clear — having 30 percent or less cloud cover.

Contact the writer:

444-1102, nancy.gaarder@owh.com

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