Nebraska — Bitter wind cuts across the Missouri River this morning as freezing air grips Omaha and western Iowa. The early air stings exposed skin within minutes. Some untreated roads still hold patches of ice from the weekend’s storm.
According to the National Weather Service in Omaha/Valley, frigid wind chills between 10 and 20 degrees below zero will persist through mid-morning across eastern Nebraska and western Iowa. Temperatures hover near 8 degrees with north winds gusting near 30 to 40 mph, pushing wind chills near -15°F.
Drivers across I-80, I-680, and Highway 75 should remain cautious early today. A few shaded roads and neighborhood streets may still hold icy spots. Bridges and overpasses cool quickly in this cold air. Plan extra travel time if heading across the Omaha metro.
Despite the cold start, sunshine dominates today. Temperatures recover only into the lower 20s this afternoon while winds slowly ease.
Skies stay mostly clear tonight with lows near 11 degrees, keeping the air sharply cold. By Tuesday, conditions begin shifting again as moisture approaches the Plains.
A 30 percent chance of light snow develops Tuesday afternoon around Omaha and Carter Lake. Little accumulation is expected, but brief flakes could appear before evening. Some areas north toward South Dakota may even see a brief period of freezing rain.
The real headline arrives by midweek. Warmer air surges north across the central Plains. Temperatures climb dramatically to around 69 degrees by Wednesday afternoon.
That surge continues late week with sunshine and highs near 75 degrees Thursday and even 84 degrees Friday, delivering an early taste of spring across Nebraska and western Iowa.
Five Day Outlook for Omaha, Nebraska
Tuesday: Partly sunny with slight chance of snow, high near 40°F.
Tuesday Night: Mostly cloudy, low near 32°F.
Wednesday: Mostly sunny and much warmer, high near 69°F.
Thursday: Sunny and springlike, high near 75°F.
Friday: Mostly sunny and very warm, high near 84°F.
