Nebraska – Headlights glow softly through murky air this morning as pockets of freezing fog cling to low-lying roads near the Omaha metro. The New Year opens quietly, but slick surprises may develop quickly on untreated pavement as temperatures hover below freezing.
According to the National Weather Service in Omaha, areas of patchy freezing fog are expected through mid-morning, especially near and west of the Missouri River, including Omaha and Carter Lake. The fog may leave a thin glaze on bridges, sidewalks, and secondary roads, creating brief travel hazards early today.
Current temperatures sit in the mid-20s, with calm winds allowing fog to linger. Major routes like I-80 and I-29 remain mostly clear, but ramps, overpasses, and neighborhood streets could turn slick before visibility improves. Drivers should reduce speed and allow extra stopping distance.
Conditions improve gradually by late morning as fog lifts. Skies turn mostly sunny, and highs climb into the upper 30s this afternoon. While that helps dry road surfaces, refreezing becomes a concern again after sunset as temperatures dip back into the mid-20s.
Friday stays cloudy and cool, with highs near the mid-30s. Meteorologists note a low chance for a brief mix of light ice or a dusting of snow Friday afternoon into early evening across northeast Nebraska. Any wintry precipitation would be short-lived but could briefly affect evening travel.
The first weekend of 2026 turns quieter and milder. Sunshine returns Saturday, with highs reaching the mid-40s. Sunday warms further into the upper 40s, followed by a noticeable January thaw early next week as highs climb into the 50s.
Plan extra time this morning, watch shaded roads, and stay alert during temperature swings. Are you seeing fog or slick spots where you’re driving today?
Five Day Outlook for Omaha, Nebraska / Carter Lake, Iowa
New Year’s Day: Mostly sunny, high near 38
Friday: Cloudy, high near 35
Saturday: Sunny, high near 44
Sunday: Partly sunny, high near 49
Monday: Mostly sunny, high near 53
