Omaha, NE – Nebraska enters the December 13–26 holiday stretch under a near-normal temperature and precipitation pattern, according to new NOAA long-range outlooks. While the state is not currently favored for above-average snowfall, the setup still leaves room for a white Christmas — especially if a strong Plains storm develops at the right time.
NOAA’s outlook places Nebraska inside a “Near Normal” zone for both precipitation and temperatures heading into the core holiday travel period. This neutral pattern doesn’t tilt strongly toward wintry weather, but it also doesn’t remove Nebraska from the Christmas snow conversation. Historically, many of the state’s holiday snow events have come from individual storm systems rather than long-range climate signals.
According to NOAA meteorologists, Nebraska’s central Plains position means the state can transition quickly into wintry conditions when a strong low-pressure system sweeps across the Rockies and enters the Plains. Such systems can pull down colder Canadian air and generate significant snow bands across the state — particularly along the I-80 corridor and into northern Nebraska.
Cities including Omaha, Lincoln, Grand Island, Kearney, North Platte, and Siouxland have all seen Christmas-week snow during near-normal patterns. With seasonal temperatures expected, even small temperature drops associated with passing fronts could shift precipitation from rain to snow.
The December 18–24 window is historically active across the Plains, and forecasters note that any storm developing during this stretch could bring travel impacts, especially if colder air aligns with the system’s path.
While no specific storms can be identified this far out, the overall setup leaves the door open for meaningful snow potential as Christmas approaches.
Residents should monitor updated local forecasts as mid-December nears, when confidence increases in storm timing and snowfall amounts.
