HASTINGS, Neb. — The weather across Nebraska will remain mild and relatively quiet for most of the week, but forecasters have issued a Weather Alert Day for Thursday due to expected high winds that could make travel difficult and cause minor damage, according to the KSNB Local4 Weather Team.
Mild Start to the Week
For those not fond of winter weather, the start of the week will feel more like early fall. Skies will remain mostly clear overnight, with lows dipping into the mid-20s and low 30s across northern Nebraska.
Tuesday will bring partly cloudy skies with afternoon highs climbing into the mid to upper 50s in eastern Nebraska and the low to mid-60s to the west. Winds will stay light through the day but begin to strengthen Wednesday.
Midweek Changes Ahead
By Wednesday, mild conditions continue with highs in the 50s and 60s, though clouds will increase throughout the day. Winds will pick up from the northwest at 10–25 mph, with gusts reaching 30–35 mph and possibly up to 50 mph across northern parts of the state.
Two cold fronts are expected to move through — the first bringing scattered showers Wednesday evening, and the second pushing in early Thursday, delivering colder air and stronger winds.
Weather Alert Day: High Winds Thursday
Meteorologists have declared Thursday a Weather Alert Day for the Local4 viewing area due to the potential for dangerous wind conditions. Sustained northwest winds are forecast at 30–45 mph, with gusts reaching 60 mph at times.
Travel could become hazardous, particularly for high-profile vehicles, and residents are urged to secure loose outdoor furniture or holiday decorations ahead of time. Temperatures will begin in the upper 30s Thursday morning before dropping into the low to mid-20s by evening, creating a cold and blustery finish to the day.
Weekend and Christmas Outlook
Conditions will quickly rebound Friday with highs returning to the 50s. Breezy weather will linger into Saturday before another cold front moves in, bringing highs in the upper 30s to low 40s for Sunday — the official start of winter.
Looking ahead to Christmas week, temperatures will stay seasonable, ranging from the 40s to low 50s, with no major storms currently on the horizon.
Stay tuned to HonkNews.com for the latest updates on Nebraska’s Weather Alert Day and ongoing wind and cold weather forecasts from the Local4 Weather Team.