textproduct: Omaha/Valley

KEY MESSAGES

- Cold air remains in place Monday with highs in the 20s and 30s. Wind chills dip to 5 to 15 degrees below zero early Monday morning.

- Temperatures will gradually warm through the upcoming week.

- A mid-week system will bring a medium (40-60%) chance for rain and snow.

DISCUSSION

Issued at 1110 PM CST Sun Feb 22 2026

Surface high pressure is slowly building into the region tonight. Light winds and clear skies help temperatures to drop out into the negative single digits by sunrise. Wind chills could be as low as 5 to 15 degrees below zero, further adding to the cold. As high pressure moves east of the area this afternoon, temperatures begin to warm up. Areas with bare ground finally get back above freezing, while areas with snow continue to hover in the 20s. A area of low pressure moves into the Great Lakes on Tuesday. As this system passes to the north and east, a dry cold front moves into the region. Despite this, warm westerly winds push temperatures into the 50s over bare ground with 40s hanging on where snow remains.

Following this low pressure, a second short wave trough moves out of the northern Rockies into the central Great Plains. This second system brings our next chance of precipitation to the area. A medium (40-60%) chance of rain and snow is anticipated mid-week. A brief period of snow Wednesday morning changes to mostly rain during the afternoon as the area warms into the 40s and low 50s. Colder air filters in as the trough moves off to the east by Wednesday evening. As temperatures fall, rain will mix with snow and eventually all snow by early Thursday morning. Current forecast guidance keeps the bulk of precipitation north and east of our region, keeping snow accumulations minimal. A dusting to an inch of snow could be possible for areas near the South Dakota border and northwest Iowa.

Any snow is short lived as temperatures warm back into the 50s for many on Thursday. Any snow covered ground may keep temperatures in the 40s before it fully melts. Further warming on Friday should hopefully see the return of 60s to the area. Unfortunately, this is short lived as the next system arrives next weekend. Cooler temperatures and our next chance of precipitation can be expected. Snow may be possible if the timing of this system holds to the overnight hours as currently forecast.

AVIATION /06Z TAFS THROUGH 06Z TUESDAY/

Issued at 1147 PM CST Sun Feb 22 2026

Very little change in the TAF forecast with northerly winds running at 5-10 knots through the overnight hours. By 15Z Monday morning, return flow will develop with SSE winds developing at all three TAF sites. Expect some 20kt gusts in the afternoon at KOFK.

OAX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

NE...None. IA...None.