Omaha, Nebraska – Drivers across eastern Nebraska should brace for hazy skies and slick roads Thursday as smoke concentrations and scattered storms push into the region. Health officials urge sensitive groups, including children and those with asthma, to limit outdoor activity until conditions improve.
According to the National Weather Service in Omaha, smoke will build across southwest Iowa and eastern Nebraska overnight into Thursday morning, creating reduced visibility for commuters. Thunderstorms remain possible along key routes, including Interstate 80 and Highway 75, especially during the late evening commute. Some storms may bring gusty winds up to 17 mph and brief downpours.
Omaha residents can expect temperatures in the mid-70s Thursday, but haze could make outdoor plans uncomfortable. In Council Bluffs, light winds may trap smoke in valleys, worsening air quality near neighborhoods and schools. Travelers should allow extra time on Thursday morning and keep headlights on in smoky or stormy patches.
Friday offers a major shift as sunny skies return with highs near 66 degrees. The clearer, cooler pattern holds into the weekend, making conditions ideal for outdoor fall events and high school football games.
While storms remain possible late Thursday night, forecasters say no widespread severe weather is expected. Conditions improve sharply by Friday morning, giving Nebraska a taste of early fall weather heading into the weekend.
Warnings remain in place for smoke impacts through Thursday morning. Additional advisories may follow if visibility worsens.
Five Day Forecast for Omaha, Nebraska
- Thursday: High 74, areas of smoke, chance of storms late.
- Friday: Sunny, high 66, calm winds.
- Saturday: Mostly sunny, high 70.
- Sunday: Sunny, high 73, calm winds.
- Monday: Slight storm chance, high 74.
