Nebraska wakes under a gray veil as headlights fade into thick fog.
Taillights glow softly, road signs vanish early, and visibility shrinks fast. This Weather matters now because holiday travel is underway, and driving conditions are already compromised.
According to the National Weather Service in Hastings, a Dense Fog Advisory remains in effect until noon across much of south-central Nebraska and parts of north-central Kansas. Visibility drops to around one-quarter mile or less in the thickest fog.
Fog coverage expands through the morning hours, especially along rural highways and low-lying areas. Drivers on U.S. 281, Highway 6, and surrounding routes should expect sudden visibility changes. Slow down, use headlights, and increase following distance.
Conditions improve gradually by late morning to midday as fog lifts west to east. Sunshine returns this afternoon, helping roads dry and travel conditions improve. Temperatures climb into the upper 50s, well above normal for late December.
Fog may redevelop tonight into Christmas morning. Patchy fog is possible between early morning and midday on Christmas Day, especially in sheltered areas. Visibility could again drop quickly before clearing by afternoon.
Looking ahead, Friday turns sunny and warm, with highs near 67 degrees. Saturday stays mild, near 62 degrees, which supports smooth post-Christmas travel on Saturday, December 27. However, the Hazardous Weather Outlook notes near-critical fire weather conditions Saturday afternoon, especially where dry grasses remain exposed.
A sharp cooldown follows late in the weekend. Sunday and early next week bring colder air, raising frost and freeze concerns as Winter regains control.
Nationally, heavy snow continues across the Northeast while flooding impacts California. Locally, fog is the primary hazard now.
Five-Day Outlook – Hastings, NE
• Today: Dense fog early, then sunny, high near 59°
• Christmas Day: Patchy fog, then mostly cloudy, high near 50°
• Thursday: Partly cloudy, low near 37°
• Friday: Sunny, high near 67°
• Saturday: Partly sunny, high near 62°
