Lincoln, NE – Will the Cornhusker State be buried under blizzards this winter, or see a milder stretch of cold weather? The National Weather Service’s (NWS) preliminary outlook for Winter 2025–26 keeps Nebraska in suspense, showing equal chances of above, below, or near-normal snowfall and temperatures statewide.
According to the Climate Prediction Center’s September 25 report, a weak La Niña is expected this fall before fading into ENSO-neutral during winter. That pattern reduces predictability, leaving Nebraska vulnerable to sharp shifts in storm tracks and polar air outbreaks.
“Predictability is very low right now,” forecasters cautioned, pointing to short-term wild cards like the Arctic Oscillation, which can steer Arctic air south into the Plains and fuel powerful winter storms.
What It Means for Nebraska
- Western Nebraska (Scottsbluff, North Platte): Typically colder, with higher odds for snow and blizzard conditions when storm systems cross the Rockies into the High Plains.
- Central Nebraska (Kearney, Grand Island): A classic battleground zone where snow or ice is possible depending on storm track and temperature swings.
- Eastern Nebraska (Lincoln, Omaha): Often vulnerable to mixed precipitation and ice, though strong Plains blizzards can still lock in heavy snow totals.
ENSO-neutral winters in the past have brought some of Nebraska’s most memorable blizzards, but also midwinter thaws—underscoring the 50/50 nature of this forecast.
Preparing for the Season
The bottom line: Nebraska faces a 50/50 snow-risk outlook heading into Winter 2025–26. While there’s no guarantee of a record-setting snow year, the potential for blizzards, ice storms, and hazardous travel remains high.
Meteorologists warn that a warmer-than-normal fall could quickly give way to a stormy December, catching communities off guard.
The official NOAA winter outlook will be released October 16, which may give clearer guidance on Nebraska’s storm potential.
