OMAHA, Neb. — Leaves scatter across empty parking lots and the Missouri River glints under a sharp, restless wind this morning. The mild stretch that carried Nebraska and western Iowa through much of October is breaking down fast — replaced by gusty winds, crisp sunshine, and the first frost risk of the season later this week.
According to the National Weather Service in Omaha/Valley, northwest winds will strengthen through Tuesday, gusting between 30 and 45 mph. The combination of dry air and gusty flow will elevate fire danger, especially across open fields and agricultural areas from Fremont to Council Bluffs. While no rain is expected, conditions will feel noticeably cooler, with highs near 59°F.
By Wednesday, calmer weather returns, but the air turns colder under clear skies. Lows fall into the upper 30s across the metro and low 30s in rural zones. That sets the stage for widespread frost formation Wednesday night and Thursday morning, with some pockets possibly dipping to freezing in low valleys.
Residents should protect tender vegetation and outdoor plumbing, and avoid leaving hoses connected overnight. Early risers Thursday may wake to thin ice on windshields — a visual cue that winter prep season has officially begun.
Thursday stays bright with highs in the low 60s, and Friday follows suit before a weak front brings clouds and a few showers into the weekend. Temperatures remain near normal, but this week’s chill marks the first true taste of late fall across the Nebraska–Iowa border.
Five-Day Outlook for Omaha, NE / Council Bluffs, IA:
Tue: 59/38 – Sunny, very breezy; gusts near 40 mph.
Wed: 64/38 – Calm, sunny; cooler night.
Thu: 64/44 – Partly cloudy; frost early.
Fri: 62/48 – Mostly sunny; mild afternoon.
Sat: 63/51 – Mostly cloudy; chance of light showers.
