Scottsbluff, NE – The Nebraska Panhandle is setting up for a wintry stretch from December 18–24, with NOAA’s long-range outlook showing above-normal precipitation and temperatures trending near to slightly below normal across the region. This pattern supports snow as the primary precipitation type, with several disturbances likely to impact travel heading into Christmas Eve.
According to NOAA, the Panhandle—stretching from Scottsbluff to Chadron, Alliance, Gering, and Sidney—sits directly within a snow-favored zone for the Dec. 18–24 period. Colder air lingering behind the earlier Arctic blast will keep temperatures supportive of accumulating snow, particularly from December 19–22.
Mountain-influenced systems moving east from Wyoming and Colorado may produce periods of moderate snowfall, with the potential for brief heavier bursts as moisture interacts with local terrain. Visibility reductions and slick road surfaces are likely along Highways 26, 385, and U.S. 71.
Farther south toward Kimball and the I-80 corridor, temperatures may briefly hover near freezing during early parts of storms, raising the possibility of a rain–snow mix at times. However, colder air reinforcing from the north should transition all precipitation back to snow by December 22–24.
Winds may increase late in the week, creating areas of blowing and drifting snow, particularly in open rural zones.
Major travel routes—including I-80, U.S. 26, U.S. 20, and Highway 385—may experience slick roads, reduced visibility, and slowdowns, especially from December 21 through Christmas Eve.
