Hastings, NE – It’s a deceptive calm across south-central Nebraska this morning. The air sits cool and still, with temperatures in the mid-20s, but a sharp turn lies ahead. Bright sun and southwest winds will send highs soaring past 50°F today, hinting at a brief, spring-like spell before winter slams back later this week.
According to the National Weather Service in Hastings, a dramatic 40-degree temperature shift is coming. After a mild Tuesday topping near 68°F, a strong cold front drops into the Plains by midweek, dragging highs back to the 20s and 30s and lows plunging into the single digits by Friday night. Winds may gust 20–25 mph, making the cold feel even sharper.
Through Wednesday, skies remain mostly clear — ideal for outdoor prep, errands, or early holiday travel — but Thursday brings a stark reminder that December isn’t done with winter yet. Meteorologists caution that the quick warm-to-cold turnaround could lead to refreezing on roadways, especially before dawn Friday.
By Saturday, highs near 30°F and lows around 9°F settle in, locking the region back into a steady, dry chill through the weekend. Long-range models continue to hint at a broader Arctic push across the Midwest and Great Lakes between December 11–17, likely bringing another round of bitter cold and snow chances north of the Nebraska–Iowa line.
Residents should enjoy the warmth while it lasts — this week’s thaw will be short-lived, and another deep freeze is waiting in line.
