Hastings, NE – Central Nebraska residents woke to the coldest morning of the fall season Sunday, with widespread lows near or below freezing, according to the National Weather Service in Hastings.
The agency reports that most areas fell between 28°F and 34°F, with the coldest readings west of Highway 281 — including parts of Broken Bow, Holdrege, and McCook — where some spots briefly dipped into the upper 20s. The “warmest” areas, primarily along Highway 81 near York and Thayer Counties, stayed just above freezing, in the mid- to upper 30s.
Forecasters say the region’s next frost and freeze potential arrives Tuesday night into Wednesday morning (Oct. 22–23), when another surge of cold air is expected. Widespread frost advisories and localized freeze warnings may be issued depending on overnight cloud cover and wind conditions.
Meteorologists note that rural areas away from airports likely experienced slightly colder conditions than official readings indicated.
Residents should cover sensitive plants and disconnect outdoor hoses ahead of the next round of freezing temperatures.
