Grand Island, Nebraska – The start of meteorological winter has rewritten the record books in central Nebraska, with Grand Island experiencing its warmest December 1 through January 10 period on record.
According to the National Weather Service in Hastings, data collected at Grand Island’s airport weather station shows the period from Dec. 1, 2025, through Jan. 10, 2026, was the warmest early meteorological winter since recordkeeping began in 1896. Meteorological winter runs from December through February.
During this 41-day stretch, Grand Island recorded an average temperature of 35.1 degrees, which is 6.9 degrees above normal. The average high temperature reached 48.0 degrees, while the average low came in at 22.1 degrees. That average exceeded the previous record for the same date range, set in 2002–03, by more than a degree.
The National Weather Service noted that 41 of the 41 days during this period averaged above normal, with 19 days reaching at least 10 degrees above normal. Notably, there were few overnight lows cold enough to reach zero degrees, an unusual statistic for early winter in central Nebraska.
Forecasters emphasized that the information is purely climatological and not tied to any immediate forecast impacts or advisories. The data reflects official readings from NWS-maintained sensors, ensuring long-term consistency and accuracy.
While recent weather patterns have included occasional cold snaps, this stretch stands out for its persistence and consistency of warmth rather than isolated warm days.
