Nebraska’s dawn glows pale over frosted roofs as a biting north breeze sweeps across the Omaha metro and into Carter Lake, Iowa. Pavement already feels crisp underfoot, and thin ice halos streetlights while early travelers head out. Anyone returning from post-Thanksgiving plans should watch for quick weather changes as a developing system approaches the central Plains.
Winds stay light early, but clouds gradually thicken. Meteorologists now track a Friday winter tease: a rain–snow mix forming by midday, especially along and north of I-80. Roads may stay mainly wet at first, yet temperatures hover near freezing, so shaded bridges and ramps could slick up fast. Plan extra time if traveling Friday afternoon.
Models hint at a possible changeover to all snow by evening, driven by cooler northwest flow. Accumulation remains limited in the current data, but bursts of slushy flakes may briefly reduce visibility and coat grassy surfaces. Travelers heading east toward Des Moines or west toward Lincoln should watch updated advisories.
Saturday turns colder and breezier, with snow lingering in scattered bands. Gusts near 20–25 mph may blow light snow across open fields, creating momentary white streaks on the highway. To be fair, not all neighborhoods will see persistent snow, but the chilly shift signals a stronger pattern coming next week. Keep coats, gloves, and an ice scraper ready.
Sunday brings calmer skies but stays cold, with highs near 20°. Monday warms slightly into the 30s under partial sun, and Tuesday rises into the low 30s with a lighter southwest wind. Wednesday looks seasonably cool and bright.
National outlooks show below-normal temperatures December 2–6, increasing the odds of more early-winter snow chances across Nebraska and Iowa as deeper cold sinks south.
