Nebraska wakes to a still, brittle cold that cracks across open fields and freezes breath midair. Streetlights glow over empty roads, and engines strain as drivers head out slowly.
Nebraska remains locked in dangerous winter conditions across the eastern half of the state. According to the National Weather Service in Omaha, temperatures dropped to around zero early this morning, with wind chills running 10 to 23 degrees below zero. The coldest conditions remain focused across northeast Nebraska, where a Cold Weather Advisory is in effect through the morning hours.
In Omaha and nearby Council Bluffs, temperatures sit near zero with wind chills near minus 15. Frostbite can develop quickly on exposed skin. Drivers on I-80, I-29, and Highway 75 should watch for icy stretches, especially on bridges and shaded ramps where refreeze occurs fast.
Attention now shifts to the next impact. Snow chances increase later today and into early Sunday. The National Weather Service reports a 50 to 75 percent chance of snow across eastern Nebraska and southwest Iowa. Most areas pick up between one-half inch and one inch, though parts of northeast Nebraska and west-central Iowa could see close to two inches. Even light snow will create slick roads given the cold pavement.
Conditions improve Sunday afternoon as skies clear and temperatures rebound sharply. Highs climb into the mid-40s by Sunday, a dramatic swing after days of Arctic cold. That warming continues into Monday with highs near 40, melting snow quickly during the day.
The pattern stays active into midweek. Temperatures cool slightly Tuesday with another chance for light snow late Tuesday night into Wednesday. Longer-range outlooks suggest drier conditions later in the week, with near-normal precipitation and continued temperature swings across the central Plains.
Winter remains unpredictable right now. How slick are roads where you’re traveling this morning?
Five-Day Outlook for Omaha, NE
• Today: Increasing clouds, snow late; highs near 22
• Sunday: Snow early, then sunny; highs near 44
• Monday: Partly sunny, warmer; highs near 40
• Tuesday: Partly sunny, cooler; highs near 36
• Wednesday: Mostly sunny; highs near 35
