Nebraska – A frosty start greeted much of south-central Nebraska early Friday, but forecasters say the calm conditions won’t hold. A fast-moving clipper system is on track to bring a brief chance of light snow or a rain-snow mix to the Hastings area Saturday morning, followed by a sharp return to colder air by Sunday.
Early Weekend System Could Bring Patchy Snow Around Hastings
The National Weather Service Hastings office reports that Friday will remain mostly sunny and seasonably cool, with highs near 46°F and light southwest winds. By late Friday night, increasing cloud cover signals the arrival of a weak disturbance pushing east from the Rockies. Forecasters place the chance of light snow or mixed precipitation at around 20 percent before midday Saturday.
Minor accumulation is possible on grassy surfaces, and roads along U.S. 6, Highway 281, and the I-80 corridor could become damp or briefly slick if snow mixes with drizzle during early travel hours.
Colder Air Settles In Late Saturday
Behind the system, temperatures will fall quickly Saturday night as drier air moves into the region. Overnight lows are expected to drop into the mid-teens. Sunday will feel noticeably colder, with highs struggling to reach the upper 20s and a persistent northwest breeze adding to the chill. While skies turn partly sunny, the air mass behind the clipper will keep conditions brisk through the end of the weekend.
Early Next Week Brings Gradual Warming
Weather models show a slow rebound beginning Monday. Sunshine returns across south-central Nebraska, and highs climb back into the upper 40s by Monday afternoon. By Tuesday, temperatures may reach the mid-50s with calm, dry weather expected. The break in the cold arrives just ahead of a more significant pattern shift.
Meteorologists Monitoring Stronger Arctic Surge Mid-Month
Forecasters are already watching indications of a stronger Arctic front expected sometime between December 11 and 17. This system has the potential to bring another round of Central and Midwest snow along with bitter wind chills as holiday travel begins to pick up. While confidence in details remains low, weather officials advise residents to stay alert for updated forecasts over the next several days.
What Hastings Residents Should Watch For
Even a light dusting can create slick spots during the early commute, especially where snow mixes with drizzle. Drivers should be prepared for reduced traction on bridges, overpasses, and untreated roads Saturday morning. It’s also a good time to top off windshield washer fluid, check tire tread, and ensure winter gear is accessible before colder air returns Sunday.
Five-Day Outlook for Hastings
Fri: 46/21 – Mostly sunny; light breeze.
Sat: 42/16 – Slight chance of rain or snow before midday; cloudy.
Sun: 28/15 – Partly sunny; colder and breezy.
Mon: 47/28 – Mostly sunny; warming trend begins.
Tue: 55/30 – Mild sunshine; calm and dry.
Seeing flakes or frost forming early where you live? Share what you’re noticing around the Hastings area in the comments.
