Nebraska starts this Saturday with a sharp, cold breeze brushing across fields west of Hastings as clouds drift in and pavement cools. Drivers heading out early feel the bite of late-fall air, and the sky hints at a quick change that could complicate post-Thanksgiving travel later today.
According to the National Weather Service, Hastings stays mostly cloudy with highs in the mid-30s while moisture builds ahead of a weak disturbance. Meteorologists expect a rain-and-snow mix to approach Friday night into early Saturday, creating a possible “winter tease” for the region. Roads may become slick in spots northwest of town, especially on Highway 6 and Route 281 where light snow could briefly reduce visibility. Travelers should plan extra time if returning from holiday gatherings.
Latest models now track a stronger cold push lining up for the first full week of December. A deep trough is poised to spill colder-than-normal air from the northern Plains through the Midwest between December 2 and December 6. Early signs suggest a risk for heavier snow across the upper Midwest—possibly 8 inches or more near the Wisconsin–Illinois border—and Nebraska sits on the southern edge of that colder pattern. To be fair, exact placement remains uncertain, but the setup favors sharper swings in temperature and more wintry precipitation chances next week.
For now, Saturday afternoon stays breezy and cold, with a slight chance of lingering snow east of Hastings before skies stabilize. Sunday turns mostly sunny but chilly, with another light snow chance Monday morning. By Tuesday and Wednesday, temperatures moderate slightly, though early December still carries a distinctly winter feel.
