Nebraska — A quiet but brisk morning stretches across the Missouri River Valley, where early travelers are hitting the road under clearing skies and crisp air. The wind carries a winter chill across open fields, but for now, roads across eastern Nebraska and western Iowa are dry and travel-ready.
The National Weather Service in Omaha/Valley says the region will hold onto this calmer pattern through Thanksgiving Day, with plenty of sunshine and light winds — ideal for travelers and those hosting outdoor gatherings or parade plans. Temperatures will climb into the upper 30s, then dip into the 20s at night under mostly clear skies.
By Friday, change begins. Models hint at a developing winter system sliding east across the Plains, bringing a 40–60% chance of light snow to northeast Nebraska and extending into western Iowa late in the day. Accumulations look minor for now, but even a light coating could make I-80 and I-29 slick by early Saturday morning.
Saturday may bring rain changing to snow, with gusty winds up to 30 mph adding a bite to the late-November chill. Highs will struggle to reach the upper 30s, and wind chills will dip into the teens at times.
Looking ahead, a larger Arctic front looms just beyond the holiday weekend. Beginning around December 1, forecasters expect sharply colder air to surge south, potentially locking in below-normal temperatures across much of the Midwest — a true winter wake-up after a mild Thanksgiving.
For now, Omaha and Council Bluffs residents can enjoy a sunny Thanksgiving reprieve — but keep the coats close. The season’s first meaningful snow may be waiting just beyond Black Friday.
Five-Day Outlook (Wed–Sun)
• Today: Sunny, 39°F.
• Thursday: Sunny, 38°F.
• Friday: Clouds increase, 35°F, light snow chance.
• Saturday: Rain/snow mix, 37°F.
• Sunday: Mostly sunny, 41°F.
