Nebraska wakes to glowing brake lights fading into gray haze, as dense fog blankets the Omaha metro and nearby Iowa communities this Christmas morning.
Visibility has dropped to one-quarter mile or less in many areas, prompting a Dense Fog Advisory through noon CST, according to the National Weather Service. The fog stretches across eastern Nebraska and southwest Iowa, including Omaha, Council Bluffs, and surrounding counties.
Drivers heading out early will encounter rapidly changing visibility, especially on I-80, I-480, and rural highways. Moist air, calm winds, and saturated ground are keeping fog locked in place through the morning hours. Low visibility may linger into early afternoon before gradual improvement.
Temperatures remain mild, climbing into the upper 40s later today. Patchy drizzle is possible, keeping pavement damp even after fog thins. For now, icing is not expected, but slick conditions may develop briefly on shaded roads.
Looking ahead, post-Christmas travel conditions improve Friday and Saturday. Sunshine returns Friday afternoon, with highs near 60 degrees, followed by another mild day Saturday. Roads dry out, and visibility improves, making for smoother regional travel.
Attention then shifts to Sunday.
Forecast data shows a return to colder air, with highs dropping into the mid-30s. A chance of rain and snow develops before noon Sunday, followed by breezy conditions. While accumulations remain uncertain, even light snow could create slick spots during late-weekend travel.
By Monday, winter settles in more firmly. Highs remain in the mid-30s, and brisk northwest winds add a sharp bite. Any leftover moisture may refreeze, raising concerns for black ice during early commutes.
Plan extra time this morning, slow down in fog, and use headlights. As Christmas travel continues, stay alert for changing Winter Weather conditions heading into the final week of December.
