Warm, Windy Sunday Brings Fire Alert to Omaha Area

OMAHA, Neb. — A hazy and warm Sunday morning in Omaha commenced with temperatures around 64 degrees as residents were advised to exercise caution due to an ongoing air quality alert and heightened fire dangers.

Meteorologist Caitlin Harvey reported that while air quality has improved since Saturday, it remains a concern, particularly with smoke from controlled burns in the Flint Hills of Kansas potentially affecting the area. An alert is in effect for eastern Nebraska until noon today as the winds shift.

“Temperatures are warmer than normal for this time of year, with predictions for highs reaching the low 80s this afternoon,” Harvey stated. “However, winds will transition from the south to the northwest, which will increase fire danger significantly. Guts could reach up to 30 miles per hour later today.”

Counties under a red flag warning include Madison, Stanton, Cuming, and Platte from 1 PM to 10 PM today, indicating critical fire danger. Additionally, a fire weather watch has been issued for Monday, expected to escalate to a red flag warning, emphasizing caution as outdoor activities could ignite flames easily.

“Please avoid any activities that may produce sparks and adhere to burn bans in effect,” Harvey urged. As temperatures rise, outdoor events, like the Easter Egg Hunt at the Strategic Air Command and Aerospace Museum in Ashland, will take place, but participants should be mindful of the wind and sun conditions.

Heights are forecasted to hit 82 degrees in Omaha, with nearby towns such as Shenandoah and Lincoln also experiencing highs around 83. Residents are encouraged to enjoy outdoor festivities while remaining alert to weather conditions.

Looking ahead, Omaha’s weather will transition to cooler temperatures starting Monday, with highs only in the 60s. Despite the drop in temperature, breezy conditions are predicted, retaining elevated fire risk levels. As temperatures plunge into the 30s Monday night, some patchy frost may develop by Tuesday morning.

As the week progresses, the forecast indicates a warming trend leading into midweek with possible scattered rain showers on Wednesday and Thursday. The outlook for Easter weekend suggests a dry holiday with isolated storms possibly developing next Sunday.