Omaha, Nebraska – A quieter and milder stretch of winter weather is expected across Nebraska beginning Thursday, with temperatures trending above normal while precipitation chances remain below average through early next week.
According to the National Weather Service and NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, Nebraska is forecast to experience above-normal temperatures from Thursday through Monday, paired with below-normal precipitation. This pattern limits storm activity across the central Plains and brings a break from the colder, more unsettled weather often seen in mid-January.
Eastern Nebraska, including Omaha, Lincoln, Bellevue, Fremont, and Norfolk, is expected to see mostly dry conditions with daytime highs running warmer than typical for this time of year. Overnight lows will still dip into colder ranges but should remain closer to seasonal norms, reducing the likelihood of prolonged hard freezes. Periods of sunshine will help temperatures rebound during the afternoon hours.
Central Nebraska, including Grand Island, Kearney, Hastings, and Columbus, will also trend drier than normal. Cloud cover may increase at times, but meaningful precipitation is unlikely. The lack of moisture may allow soils to dry further, particularly in agricultural areas already experiencing limited winter precipitation.
Western Nebraska, including North Platte, Scottsbluff, Alliance, and Sidney, is expected to see similar conditions with dry air and above-average temperatures. Larger day-to-night temperature swings may develop in rural and open areas under clearer skies.
Travel conditions are expected to remain favorable along major routes such as Interstate 80, U.S. Highway 83, Highway 81, and Highway 26, with no widespread weather-related disruptions anticipated.
While the warmer and drier pattern may be welcome for travel and outdoor plans, longer-term moisture concerns will continue to be monitored. For now, the mild and dry setup is expected to persist into early next week, with any return to more active weather likely beyond this period.
