Weather
Nebraska Snowfall Report: Some Areas Fell 20+ Inches Below Normal
Hastings, NE – A newly shared National Weather Service review reveals how unusually little snow fell across portions of Nebraska and northern Kansas during the 2025 26 winter season, with several comm
By Grant Holloway · 2026-10-27T17:32:49.503Z
Hastings, NE – A newly shared National Weather Service review reveals how unusually little snow fell across portions of Nebraska and northern Kansas during the 2025 26 winter season, with several communities recording snowfall deficits exceeding 20 inches.
According to the National Weather Service office in Hastings, the previous snow season was marked by a pronounced lack of snowfall across its 30 county forecast area.
The agency released maps Tuesday, Oct. 27, comparing observed snowfall totals with historical averages at official cooperative observer locations.
Among the most striking figures, Elwood, Nebraska, recorded just 2 inches of snowfall, finishing 23.3 inches below normal.
Nearby Holdrege received 3.8 inches, a deficit of 21.6 inches, while Minden recorded only 2.2 inches, falling 22.6 inches below its seasonal average.
Other Nebraska communities also experienced significant shortages.
Kearney measured 6.6 inches, or 15.2 inches below normal, while Hastings recorded 8.8 inches, finishing 19.8 inches below average.
Grand Island received 9.9 inches, representing a 17.8 inch deficit.
Farther north, Ord recorded 14.8 inches but still finished 20.2 inches below normal.
The lack of snowfall extended into north central Kansas, where several communities also experienced below average totals.
Phillipsburg recorded 4.7 inches, Smith Center measured 7 inches and Beloit received 10.4 inches.
National Weather Service maps show widespread snowfall deficits throughout the region, although the severity varied by location.
What This Means for the Coming Winter
The agency emphasized that these figures represent a historical review of the completed 2025 26 snowfall season, not a forecast for winter 2026 27.
Last winter's snowfall totals do not establish how much snow Nebraska or Kansas will receive during the upcoming season.
Residents can review the official snowfall maps and additional seasonal analysis through the National Weather Service Hastings office.