Unseasonably Warm Weather Grips Nebraska

Record highs possible as temperatures climb well above normal through Wednesday

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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An unusually warm weather pattern will dominate the forecast across Nebraska through the middle of this week, with temperatures climbing into the mid 60s to mid 70s - a stark contrast to the typical seasonal highs in the low 40s for this time of year. While precipitation chances remain low, rain becomes possible on Tuesday and Wednesday as a system moves through the region. However, a significant cooldown is expected to arrive late in the week, with seasonal highs returning on Friday and the potential for snow developing Thursday into next Saturday as temperatures drop below freezing.

Why it matters

The extended period of well-above average warmth is highly unusual for mid-February in Nebraska, and could have impacts on agriculture, energy usage, and outdoor activities. The dramatic shift to a cooler, potentially snowy pattern later in the week will also be noteworthy.

The details

Forecasters are predicting highs in the 70s both on Monday and Tuesday, with temperatures potentially reaching record levels. This spring-like weather is in stark contrast to the typical seasonal norms, with highs usually only reaching the low 40s this time of year. While rain chances remain low through most of the period, some light precipitation is possible on Tuesday and Wednesday as a weather system moves through the region. However, a significant cooldown is expected to arrive late in the week, with seasonal highs returning on Friday and the potential for snow developing Thursday into next Saturday as temperatures drop below freezing.

  • Highs in the 70s are forecast for both Monday, February 17 and Tuesday, February 18.
  • Rain chances increase on Tuesday, February 18 and Wednesday, February 19 as a weather system moves through the region.
  • A significant cooldown arrives late in the week, with seasonal highs returning on Friday, February 21 and the potential for snow developing Thursday, February 20 into next Saturday, February 22 as temperatures drop below freezing.

The players

KOLN

The local NBC television affiliate serving the Lincoln, Nebraska area.

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What’s next

Meteorologists will continue to monitor the weather patterns and provide updates as the dramatic shift from record warmth to potential snow develops later this week.

The takeaway

The extended period of unseasonably warm weather in Nebraska is highly unusual for mid-February, and the dramatic shift to a cooler, potentially snowy pattern later in the week will be an abrupt change that residents should prepare for.