On the weekend of July 25^th – July 26^th, 2026, a strong heatwave affected the eastern High Plains region. Though air temperatures were under 100 °F for places such as Lincoln, Omaha, Sioux Falls, and Topeka, maximum heat index values were at least 10 °F higher compared to the maximum air temperature for these places. This heatwave continued for an additional day for the eastern High Plains region. The below map shows the extent of Extreme Heat Warnings and Heat Advisories for the United States on July 27^th, 2026, shown in magenta and orange, respectively.

The above table shows a list of stations, where they are located, the highest heat index (in °F) along with the corresponding air temperature, the time of observation, and the ranking for the period of observation. As discussed before, the heat index values were 9 °F – 26 °F higher compared to the corresponding air temperature. Concordia experienced its 3^rd highest heat index ever recorded on July 25^th, 2026, at 17:00 local time (LT). The Eppley Airport in Omaha experienced the 5^th highest heat index recorded on July 26^th, 2026, at 18:00 LT. Grand Island and York experienced its 4^th and 5^th highest heat index recorded, respectively, on July 26^th, 2026, just two hours apart.