NORTH PLATTE, Neb. — The National Weather Service has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch for a large portion of Nebraska, including nearly 70 counties, as strong to severe storms are expected to develop late Monday afternoon and evening. The watch remains in effect until midnight Central Time.

Forecasters say storms could produce wind gusts over 75 mph, hail up to the size of tennis balls, and possibly a tornado or two, especially along a stalled east-west boundary stretching across the Sandhills. An Enhanced Risk (Level 3 of 5) has been issued for much of western and north central Nebraska, including Deuel, Keith, Lincoln, Custer and Garden counties.

Additional thunderstorms are forecast to roll in from the Panhandle into western and southwest Nebraska later this evening, with damaging winds and large hail the primary threats. Localized heavy rainfall is also possible, but widespread flooding is not expected.

Heat and humidity ahead of the storms are also a concern. High temperatures in the low to mid-90s and muggy conditions could push heat index values into the upper 90s in parts of southwest and central Nebraska.

Looking ahead, more storms are likely Tuesday evening into early Wednesday. Forecasters say those storms could bring strong winds, heavy rainfall, and isolated large hail, with some areas possibly receiving up to two inches of rain by Wednesday morning.

By late week, dangerous heat is expected to return. Highs Friday and Saturday could soar into the upper 90s and low 100s, with heat indices reaching triple digits across much of southwest and central Nebraska.