Nebraska — The air feels sharp and unforgiving as winds sweep across the metro, rattling flags and stinging exposed skin within minutes. Winter’s grip is firm this morning, and it will not loosen quickly.
Cold air remains locked in place across eastern Nebraska and southwest Iowa. Wind chills between 5 and 20 degrees below zero dominate the Omaha–Carter Lake area today, even under sunshine. Actual temperatures struggle to climb beyond the lower 20s this afternoon, keeping outdoor exposure dangerous for extended periods.
Conditions stay quiet but cold through tonight. Clouds increase late, and temperatures dip back into the teens. By early Tuesday morning, another surge of Arctic air pushes wind chills into the single digits below zero, especially before sunrise. Commuters should prepare for slick patches on bridges and untreated roads as refreezing develops.
Tuesday brings a noticeable shift. Sunshine returns, and highs climb into the lower 30s, offering brief relief. That thaw comes with a tradeoff. Snowmelt during the afternoon may refreeze quickly after sunset, raising the risk of black ice on neighborhood streets and parking lots.
Midweek turns milder. Wednesday features mostly sunny skies and highs near 43 degrees, a sharp contrast to today’s cold snap. Thursday cools slightly but stays manageable, with highs in the mid-30s. By Friday, colder air returns, dropping highs back into the low teens.
Looking ahead, NOAA’s 6–10 day outlook suggests near-normal precipitation and fluctuating temperatures across the central Plains. Winter remains active, even when short warm-ups appear.
Dress in layers today, limit time outdoors, and protect pets from the cold. Watch for icy spots after dark later this week. How cold did it feel where you are this morning?
Five-Day Weather Outlook for Omaha, Nebraska–Carter Lake, Iowa
• Today (MLK Day): Sunny, bitter cold, high near 22°F
• Tuesday: Partly sunny, morning cold, high near 32°F
• Wednesday: Mostly sunny, milder, high near 43°F
• Thursday: Mostly sunny, cooler, high near 35°F
• Friday: Partly sunny, colder again, high near 11°F
