The Blair area is in for significant weather changes this week as winter reasserts itself across eastern Nebraska. Here’s what residents can expect over the next seven days:
Sunday Night (December 29): A Dense Fog Advisory is in effect for the Blair area, with patchy fog developing overnight. Skies will become increasingly overcast with a low around 32 degrees. South-southeast winds will remain light at 5 to 10 mph, contributing to the foggy conditions.
Monday (December 30): The week begins with a challenging weather day. Morning commuters should prepare for rain showers that will become steadier throughout the afternoon. High temperatures will reach the low 40s, making it the warmest day of the week. East winds at 5 to 10 mph will shift dramatically to north-northwest at 10 to 20 mph by evening as a strong cold front moves through. The rain will change to snow during the evening hours, with precipitation chances at 100%. Expect around a quarter inch of rain before the changeover. Monday night lows will drop to 26 degrees.
Tuesday (December 31): New Year’s Eve will be notably colder and windy. While clouds will gradually clear through the day, strong north-northwest winds of 15 to 25 mph with higher gusts will make the high of 32 degrees feel considerably colder. The night will start partly cloudy before clouds increase again, with lows dropping to 21 degrees as winds diminish to 5 to 10 mph.
Wednesday (January 1): New Year’s Day brings a brief respite with plentiful sunshine and lighter west-northwest winds of 5 to 10 mph. High temperatures will reach 33 degrees. The evening will become overcast with light and variable winds and a low of 21 degrees.
Thursday (January 2): Cloudy skies early will give way to partial clearing by afternoon. A few flurries are possible throughout the day. High temperatures will only reach 27 degrees with north winds at 5 to 10 mph. Thursday night will be partly cloudy and cold, with lows around 12 degrees.
Friday (January 3): Friday continues the cold pattern with partly cloudy skies and a high of just 23 degrees. North-northwest winds will blow at 5 to 10 mph. Overnight lows will drop to 9 degrees under partly cloudy skies.
Saturday (January 4): The week ends with increasing chances for accumulating snow. Mostly cloudy skies will dominate with a high of only 19 degrees. Northeast winds at 5 to 10 mph will bring snow chances by evening. Saturday night could see 1 to 3 inches of snow accumulation, with a 30% chance of snow and lows around 12 degrees.
Sunday (January 5): The weekend snow event continues into Sunday morning with snow showers likely (40% chance) and additional accumulations of less than one inch possible. Skies will remain mainly cloudy throughout the day with a high of only 17 degrees. North winds at 10 to 15 mph will make it feel even colder. Sunday night will see partial clearing late with temperatures plunging to around 0 degrees as north winds continue at 5 to 10 mph.
This extended cold period and potential weekend snow event could impact travel and outdoor activities across the Blair and greater Omaha area. Residents should stay prepared for winter weather conditions and monitor local forecasts for updates.