Nebraska greets Monday with stinging cold that bites exposed skin within minutes. Winds sweep across open fields, rattling flags and driving wind chills deep below zero as the Arctic air tightens its grip on south-central Nebraska.
According to the National Weather Service in Hastings, wind chills early Monday drop as low as 18 degrees below zero, especially north of Interstate 80. These dangerous conditions persist through the morning commute, making it feel far colder than actual air temperatures hovering in the single digits.
In Hastings, clear skies offer little relief as northwest winds gust up to 35 mph. Even brief time outdoors becomes uncomfortable and potentially unsafe without proper layers. Drivers may encounter reduced vehicle performance, including weak batteries and thickened fluids, common during extreme cold snaps.
Travelers moving along Highway 6, Highway 281, and nearby rural routes should prepare for rapid heat loss if stranded. Keep extra blankets, food, and charged phones in vehicles. Frostbite can develop quickly, and pets should remain indoors whenever possible.
Conditions improve slightly by afternoon as winds ease, though temperatures remain cold. Monday night turns calmer but still frigid, with lows near 15 degrees. By Tuesday, sunshine returns and temperatures rebound sharply, climbing into the upper 40s, signaling a fast but noticeable warmup.
Midweek weather stays quiet as New Year’s Eve approaches. Wednesday brings sunshine and highs in the low 50s, a stark contrast to Monday’s bitter start. New Year’s Day 2026 looks seasonable and dry, with highs near 41, favorable for travel and outdoor plans.
While snow stays out of the picture, cold remains the main hazard to close out 2025. Dress in layers, cover exposed skin, and check on neighbors who may be vulnerable to the cold.
Five-Day Outlook for Hastings, Nebraska
Monday: Sunny, blustery, wind chills near -18°, high near 29
Tuesday: Mostly sunny, milder, high near 49
Wednesday: Sunny and calm, high near 53
New Year’s Day: Partly sunny, high near 41
