Omaha, Nebraska, sits along the Missouri River in the Midwest, placing it within a continental climate zone. Winters in the city are typically cold, windy, and snowy, setting the stage for significant annual snowfall. The amount of snow the metro area receives is a function of its latitude and the weather systems that frequently track across the central United States.
The Annual Average Snowfall
The long-term average for Omaha’s annual snowfall, based on the most recent 30-year climate normals (1991 to 2020), is 27.1 inches. This measurement is calculated from data collected at Eppley Airfield and represents a statistical baseline for the city’s winter weather expectations. This total is similar to other major cities in the central Midwest.
Omaha experiences measurable snowfall (0.1 inches or more) on an average of 21.7 days each year. Most of these events are minor, leaving only a small accumulation. The snow often results from low-pressure systems tracking eastward from the Rocky Mountains, pulling in Gulf moisture that converts to snow in the cold Midwestern air.
Seasonal Timing and Monthly Variation
The snow season in Omaha typically begins in November and concludes by March, though early or late snow events can sometimes extend the period. The bulk of the accumulation is concentrated in the two coldest months of the year.
February often receives the highest monthly average, recording approximately 7.8 inches of snow. January closely follows with 7.2 inches of accumulation. December sees the third-highest average at 5.8 inches, marking the start of consistent winter conditions. March’s average drops significantly to 3.0 inches, and both November and April typically see minor accumulations, averaging 1.7 inches and 1.0 inch, respectively. The season has occasionally stretched from early October into May.
Historical Extremes and Record Events
While the average snowfall remains consistent, year-to-year totals in Omaha demonstrate considerable variability. The snowiest season on record saw a total accumulation of 57.8 inches, which occurred during the 1974–1975 winter season. Conversely, the city has experienced remarkably mild seasons where the total accumulation was significantly lower than the long-term average.
Extreme single-event snowfall is typically driven by powerful low-pressure systems known as Panhandle Hooks or Alberta Clippers. The largest single-day snowfall event in Omaha history occurred on February 11, 1965, when a powerful storm dropped 18.3 inches of snow. While major blizzards that deliver ten inches or more in a single day are not common, the occasional extreme weather event serves as a reminder of the region’s continental climate volatility.