Hastings, NE – Post-Thanksgiving travelers in central Nebraska may face challenging conditions Saturday as a combination of light snow and strong northwest winds could create slick roads and reduced visibility across portions of the region.
According to the National Weather Service in Hastings, Saturday stands out as the highest-impact travel day of the holiday weekend. While Thanksgiving and Friday will remain mild and quiet, conditions change sharply early Saturday as colder air pushes into the area.
Forecasters say high temperatures Saturday will range from the upper 20s to near 40 degrees, but northwest winds gusting 35–45 mph may create blowing snow in areas that receive light accumulation. While overall snowfall totals are expected to remain modest, pockets of accumulating snow—especially northeast of the Tri-Cities (Grand Island, Hastings, Kearney)—could create brief but notable travel issues.
The National Weather Service highlights a 40–70% chance of travel difficulty for parts of central and eastern Nebraska on Saturday. Forecasters warn that even a small amount of snow combined with strong winds could lead to slick spots, blowing snow, and periods of poor visibility, especially on open rural roads and north-south highways.
Conditions improve quickly by Saturday night as snow exits the region. Sunday will be dry with light winds, though temperatures will struggle to climb out of the low to mid-20s, making it one of the coldest days of the season so far.
Travelers heading home from Thanksgiving gatherings are encouraged to monitor updated forecasts and be prepared for rapidly changing conditions on Saturday.
