Expect a warmer and drier summer across Nebraska. That’s the conclusion of the National Weather Service’s Summer Outlook for the Central and High Plains.
The forecast – which came out this week - means we could see a continuation of drought conditions across the state over the summer months. Paul Fajman, a meteorologist in the NWS Omaha office, says the prediction means we can expect temperatures in June, July and August to be above the normal level of highs in the mid-to-upper 80’s.
He said the prediction of a drier than normal summer could have a big impact on the state.
"There would be impacts to river levels and to agriculture with those hot and dry conditions," he said. "Crop yields may not be as great. We are already seeing some of those impacts. Many of the rivers across the area are already flowing below their 25th percentile of their historic flow."
The only areas in the region that is expected to NOT suffer from drought conditions – according to the Summer Outlook – are North Dakota, northeast South Dakota and northern Minnesota.