Omaha, Nebraska – Wildfire smoke is blanketing eastern Nebraska and western Iowa, reducing air quality and posing potential health risks through Saturday night. Residents from Omaha to Wayne, and as far south as Pawnee City, are experiencing hazy skies, with the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services issuing an Air Quality Alert through 5 p.m. Saturday. According to the National Weather Service in Omaha, smoke will persist overnight, bringing unhealthy air for sensitive groups and moderate levels for much of the region.
The smoke, combined with calm winds and humidity near 93% in Omaha, is expected to linger through Saturday, prompting local agencies to encourage residents to limit outdoor activities, especially for those with respiratory issues, children, and older adults. Spotty showers and thunderstorms could bring slight improvement late Saturday into Sunday, but the risk of lingering smoke remains, particularly in areas near the Missouri River and along major routes like I-80 and Highway 75.
People across eastern Nebraska—including Lincoln, Fremont, and Papillion—are advised to keep windows closed, use air conditioning if available, and monitor local alerts. Drivers may encounter reduced visibility in areas of dense smoke. Air quality is expected to gradually improve by late Sunday as winds shift and showers move through.
Unhealthy air quality could return if wildfire activity increases or winds remain light. Stay tuned for additional advisories from the National Weather Service and local agencies.
Five Day Forecast for Omaha, Nebraska:
- Saturday: Areas of smoke, mostly sunny, high near 79°F. Winds SE 5-9 mph.
- Sunday: Slight chance of morning showers, then partly sunny, high near 79°F. Winds SE 6-9 mph.
- Monday: Partly sunny, high near 82°F. Winds SE 6-9 mph.
- Tuesday: Sunny and warmer, high near 87°F. Gusty south winds possible.
- Wednesday: Partly sunny and hot, high near 95°F. Breezy south winds.
