Lincoln, Nebraska – New long-range federal climate guidance suggests February 2026 may bring near-normal winter precipitation across Nebraska, with equal chances of rain and snow rather than a dominant winter weather signal.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center (CPC), Nebraska is currently placed in an “equal chances” category for February precipitation type. This designation indicates no statistically significant signal favoring either above-normal snowfall or rain-dominant systems compared to long-term February averages.
Equal chances outlooks reflect uncertainty in storm tracks and temperature patterns. For Nebraska, this suggests February 2026 could feature a variable mix of snow events, rain, and mixed precipitation depending on timing, storm track, and the strength of cold-air intrusions.
Northern and western parts of the state may still see accumulating snow during stronger Arctic outbreaks, while central and southern Nebraska are more likely to experience rain or rain-snow mix during marginal temperature setups. Small temperature shifts will likely determine precipitation type during individual systems.
Temperature outlooks for February indicate near-normal conditions across the central Plains. This temperature profile supports alternating cold and mild periods, increasing the likelihood of fluctuating precipitation types rather than sustained winter weather.
Surrounding states including South Dakota, Iowa, Kansas, Colorado, and Wyoming also show neutral precipitation signals, reinforcing uncertainty in how consistently winter patterns will favor snow versus rain across the region.
Commuters, agricultural operators, and freight carriers across Nebraska are encouraged to monitor updated forecasts as February approaches, when shorter-range outlooks will better clarify storm timing, precipitation type, and travel impacts.
