Hastings, Nebraska – Drivers along U.S. 281 and U.S. 6 are navigating patchy dense fog early this morning, with visibility dropping below one mile in spots before 9 a.m. Wednesday.
According to the National Weather Service in Hastings, low clouds and localized fog developed overnight across south-central Nebraska. Conditions will gradually improve by late morning as partial clearing returns and light winds allow visibility to rebound. However, motorists should use low-beam headlights and allow extra distance between vehicles during the early commute.
Afternoon temperatures will climb into the mid-50s to low 60s across Adams, Hall and Buffalo counties, offering a mild break before a more active pattern returns. By Thursday, highs are expected to reach the mid-60s to low 70s, fueled by increasing south-southeast winds.
Stronger winds will develop Thursday afternoon, with sustained speeds between 15 and 25 mph and gusts up to 35 mph. Travel along Interstate 80 from Grand Island to Kearney may become breezy, especially for high-profile vehicles.
Thunderstorm chances increase Thursday evening into the overnight hours. A few storms could become severe, producing hail up to quarter size and wind gusts approaching 60 mph. The greatest risk window appears between 7 p.m. and midnight Thursday as storms track northeast across the region.
Residents are urged to secure loose outdoor items ahead of Thursday evening and monitor alerts for potential warnings. While fog clears by midday Wednesday, stronger storms may develop quickly Thursday night with little lead time.
