Omaha Residents Flock to Downtown to Enjoy Unseasonably Warm Weather

Temperatures soar 25 degrees above average for February, drawing crowds to Gene Leahy Mall and Old Market

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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Omaha residents took advantage of the unseasonably warm weather on Thursday, with temperatures reaching 61 degrees - about 25 degrees above the typical February average. Families flocked to downtown attractions like Gene Leahy Mall and The Old Market to enjoy outdoor activities and soak up the sun, escaping the cold weather that has dominated much of the winter.

Why it matters

Omaha's unusually warm February weather is a stark contrast to the typical cold and snowy conditions this time of year, providing a welcome respite for residents and drawing crowds to the city's downtown areas. The spike in temperatures highlights the unpredictable nature of the region's climate and the impacts of broader weather patterns.

The details

According to records from Eppley Airfield, only one day so far this year has been warmer than Thursday's high of 61 degrees. Residents like Tom Lamme and Tatyana Svejda, who was visiting from Florida, took advantage of the pleasant conditions to enjoy outdoor activities and soak up the sun at downtown attractions.

  • On Thursday, February 6, 2026, Omaha's high temperature reached 61 degrees.
  • This was about 25 degrees above the typical February average temperature for the area.

The players

Tom Lamme

An Omaha resident who was enjoying the warm weather at Gene Leahy Mall.

Tatyana Svejda

A visitor from Florida who was enjoying the warmer weather in Omaha compared to her home state.

Luba Fedoromko

A West Omaha resident who encouraged others to take advantage of the unseasonable warmth.

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What they’re saying

“It's the perfect walking weather. It really is. It's not windy. The sun is out.”

— Tom Lamme (3newsnow.com)

“It's beautiful, I escaped from cold Florida. Right now, in Florida, it's probably about in the 30s and I'm enjoying the beautiful weather in Nebraska. So, I'm very happy to be here visiting my friend and enjoying this beautiful weather.”

— Tatyana Svejda (3newsnow.com)

“It was cold, but today is beautiful weather and everybody should get out and enjoy the weather while it lasts.”

— Luba Fedoromko, West Omaha resident (3newsnow.com)

What’s next

Meteorologists will continue to monitor weather patterns and provide updates on how long the unseasonably warm temperatures are expected to last in the Omaha area.

The takeaway

Omaha's unexpected February warmth serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the region's climate, and highlights how residents are eager to take advantage of rare opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities during the typically cold winter months.