Nebraska wakes up under clear skies and calm conditions, but the quiet feels deceptive. Dry grasses rustle in the breeze, and warmer air briefly surges before winter snaps back hard across south-central Nebraska.
According to the National Weather Service in Hastings, near-critical fire weather conditions are possible this afternoon and into the early evening, especially from Dawson County east toward Furnas County. Gusty winds and dry fuels could allow fires to spread quickly. Outdoor burning is discouraged, and any spark could become a problem fast.
Today turns sunny and unseasonably mild, with highs near 48. Winds increase by afternoon, creating fire concerns along Highway 183 and open rural areas. Conditions improve tonight as winds ease and temperatures fall into the teens.
Thursday cools down but stays quiet. Highs reach the mid-30s with light winds, offering a brief reset before colder air arrives. Clouds increase Thursday night, and light snow becomes possible after midnight as temperatures drop below zero.
Friday marks the shift back to winter. Highs struggle near 3, and snow chances increase through the day. By Friday night, snow becomes more likely, and lows plunge near 6 below. Roads may turn slick quickly as light snow combines with falling temperatures.
Saturday stays cold and unsettled. Highs reach only the upper single digits, with lingering snow chances and limited visibility at times. Wind chills dip into the teens below zero, making outdoor exposure dangerous. Dress in layers and limit time outside.
Sunday brings gradual improvement. Skies brighten, and highs climb toward the upper teens, though cold remains entrenched across the region.
Looking ahead, the 6–10 day outlook keeps much of Nebraska near to below normal temperatures, with periodic precipitation chances returning next week.
Five Day Weather Outlook – Hastings, Nebraska
Today: Sunny and breezy, high near 48
Thursday: Partly sunny, cooler, high near 36
Friday: Chance of snow, colder, high near 3
Saturday: Chance of snow, very cold, high near 7
Sunday: Mostly sunny, cold, high near 17
