Omaha, NE–IA – Cold air bites hard this morning as wind cuts across frozen pavement, stinging faces and stiffening hands within minutes. Across eastern Nebraska and western Iowa, winter tightens its grip fast, bringing dangerous cold, rising snow chances, and slick travel concerns that build into the weekend.
A Cold Weather Advisory remains in effect as Arctic air settles over the region. According to the National Weather Service in Omaha, wind chills are expected to plunge as low as 28 below zero through late morning, creating frostbite risk on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes.
Temperatures struggle to recover today, even with filtered sun. Highs hover near the lower single digits by Friday, while brisk north winds keep conditions feeling far colder. Roads may look dry during daylight hours, but melting snow refreezes quickly after sunset, increasing the risk of flash freezing on bridges, ramps, and untreated side streets.
Snow becomes a growing concern by Friday afternoon and into Saturday. Light to moderate snowfall is possible, with chances peaking near 60 percent Friday night. While totals look modest, even a few inches could snarl travel along I-80 and neighborhood corridors, especially with cold pavement preventing melt.
Saturday stays gray and cold with lingering snow chances, then clears late. Sunshine returns Sunday, but temperatures remain well below normal. Another reinforcing push of cold air early next week keeps mornings frigid, even as skies brighten.
Residents should dress in layers, limit time outdoors, and check on vulnerable neighbors. Keep phones charged and allow extra travel time through the weekend. Meteorologists continue tracking broader winter activity across the Plains and Midwest, with additional advisories possible.
Five-Day Outlook for Omaha, NE–IA
- Today: Mostly clear early, increasing clouds, highs near 18°
- Friday: Cold, highs around 4°, snow possible late
- Saturday: Mostly cloudy, chance of snow, highs near 6°
- Sunday: Mostly sunny, highs near 15°
- Monday: Sunny but cold, highs near 27
