Weather
Nebraska Weather Alert: Rain, Snow Possible Thanksgiving Week Nov. 22-28
Omaha, NE – Nebraska residents preparing for Thanksgiving and Black Friday travel could encounter changing weather conditions November 22 28, with rain, snow and potentially freezing rain among the po
By Miles Carter · 2026-11-15T00:15:34.926Z
Omaha, NE – Nebraska residents preparing for Thanksgiving and Black Friday travel could encounter changing weather conditions November 22 28, with rain, snow and potentially freezing rain among the possibilities as a wetter than normal weather pattern is favored across much of the state.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's NOAA Climate Prediction Center, eight to 14 day temperature and precipitation outlooks issued Saturday, November 14, favor above normal precipitation across Nebraska during the Thanksgiving holiday period.
The precipitation outlook places most of Nebraska within a broad region extending across the central and northern Plains where wetter than average conditions are favored.
This indicates an increased probability of above normal precipitation totals over the seven day period, although the outlook does not determine whether precipitation will fall as rain, snow or a wintry mix.
Could Nebraska See Snow or Freezing Rain?
Despite a temperature outlook favoring generally above normal conditions across portions of the central Plains, snow remains possible throughout Nebraska during late November.
Western and northern communities, including Scottsbluff, Chadron, Valentine and North Platte, could experience snowfall if colder air coincides with developing precipitation.
Central and eastern Nebraska, including Omaha, Lincoln, Grand Island, Kearney and Norfolk, could experience rain during milder periods, with snow or freezing rain possible if temperatures fall sufficiently.
Strong temperature changes can occur across the Plains, meaning above normal temperatures over an entire week do not eliminate the possibility of freezing conditions.
However, NOAA's extended outlook does not specifically forecast snowfall accumulations, ice totals or a winter storm.
Thanksgiving and Black Friday Travel Outlook
Thanksgiving falls Thursday, November 26, followed by Black Friday on November 27.
Drivers traveling Interstate 80, Interstate 76, U.S. Highway 81 and U.S. Highway 83 should monitor updated forecasts as holiday travel increases.
Rain could produce wet roads and reduced visibility, while snow or freezing rain could create slippery conditions if colder air arrives.
No specific hazardous travel period has been identified.
More detailed forecasts should clarify precipitation types, storm timing and potential travel impacts as Thanksgiving approaches.
For now, Nebraska faces a potentially wetter holiday period, with snow and icy conditions remaining possibilities worth monitoring statewide.