Hastings, Nebraska – A cloudy and cooler start to the new year is greeting much of south-central Nebraska, with thick cloud cover and pockets of patchy fog shaping New Year’s Day before a warmer weekend arrives.
According to the National Weather Service in Hastings, widespread cloud cover spread across the region early Thursday, limiting sunshine and keeping temperatures cooler than recent days. Highs today range from the low to mid-40s to the mid-50s, with areas near Hastings, Grand Island, and Kearney staying on the cooler side under persistent clouds. While some patchy morning fog is possible, forecasters say widespread or dense fog is not expected.
As winds turn southwesterly this afternoon, cloud cover may briefly thin from west to east, allowing partial sunshine west of the Tri-Cities late in the day. Even with some breaks, clouds remain the dominant feature heading into tonight.
Conditions turn cooler Friday as a reinforcing shot of colder air moves south through the state. Mostly cloudy skies return, and Friday is expected to be the coldest day of the period. A few light rain showers are possible north of Highway 92, though most locations stay dry. Temperatures dip back below normal, reminding residents that winter is still firmly in control.
Travel impacts remain minimal overall, but drivers are encouraged to watch for reduced visibility early today and again late tonight where fog or low clouds persist. Light winds and dry roads should help keep conditions manageable.
The pattern shifts noticeably for the weekend. Forecasters expect a return to well above normal temperatures, with highs climbing into the 50s and even 60s by Saturday and Sunday. Sunshine becomes more common, offering a milder and more pleasant finish to the New Year’s weekend.
The National Weather Service notes that this warming trend is expected to continue into early next week, with additional updates issued as conditions evolve.
