As an upper level disturbance crosses the region, showers and a few thunderstorms are likely across eastern portions of western and north central Nebraska. In vicinity of a surface trough this afternoon, strong thunderstorms are expected to develop and move southeast from the southeast panhandle, west central and southwest Nebraska. A few storms could become severe, mainly near and south of interstate 80. While highs today will range in the low 60s to mid 70s, cool highs in the 60s will reside across the area for Thursday.

Today: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 71. Southeast wind between 9 and 13 mph.

Tonight: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am, then a slight chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 43. East wind around 7 mph becoming north. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 66. North northwest wind between 8 and 15 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph.