Hastings, NE – Winter may be on the calendar, but temperatures across south-central Nebraska are telling a different story. The National Weather Service reports that the start of meteorological winter has been the warmest on record for both Grand Island and Hastings, based on data collected since early December.
According to the National Weather Service in Hastings, the period from December 1, 2025, through January 10, 2026, ranks as the warmest start to meteorological winter ever recorded at both airports. Meteorological winter runs from December through February and is tracked using consistent monthly temperature data.
At Grand Island Regional Airport, the average temperature during this stretch reached 35.1 degrees, surpassing the previous record of 33.8 degrees set in 2019. At Hastings Municipal Airport, the average temperature also climbed to 35.5 degrees, edging out the prior record of 35.0 degrees set in 1938.
The National Weather Service notes that average temperatures during the period were about 6 degrees above normal in Grand Island and more than 7 degrees above normal in Hastings. Out of the 41 days measured, temperatures reached or exceeded 50 degrees on roughly half of them, while sub-freezing days were limited.
Forecasters say the warmth has been driven by persistent weather patterns favoring mild air masses, with fewer prolonged Arctic cold snaps than typically expected during early winter. While cold weather can still arrive later in the season, the unusually warm start has already secured a place in Nebraska’s climate records.
Residents may have noticed reduced snow cover, softer ground conditions, and lower heating demand compared to typical winters. However, meteorologists caution that a warm start does not rule out colder or more active winter weather later in January or February.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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