How to survive winter in Nebraska

The most wonderful time of the year is soon approaching, which, for us here in Nebraska, also means that some of the worst weather you’ve ever experienced is also approaching. The winters here in Nebraska can be so cold that Frosty the Snowman would die of hypothermia if he were out in the elements for too long. For this reason, I have taken it upon myself as a Nebraska native to share my wisdom with you all, so that you might just make it through until Spring. 

The first step to survival is combatting the cold. Nebraska is known for its devilish humidity during the summer which makes the air thick and heavy with heat, but many people don’t realize that it sticks around in the winter too. During the frigid and windy months of winter, it actually gets coldest right before a snow or ice storm because of all the humidity hanging around in the air. This humidity seeps into your skin and freezes your very bones, turning anyone who dares venture to Coops for a late night snack into frozen studentcicles. The most effective way to combat this icy chill is by drinking a hot drink. Tea or hot cocoa do the trick when heated to near boiling, but if you are brave enough, you could also try coffee.

Here in Nebraska, we don’t typically see very much snow until closer to January, but what you will have to watch out for is the ice storms. Freezing rain and sleet often join forces to create very bad ice patches on the roads, leaving the streets of Lincoln more desolate than the love life of someone who steals catalytic converters. When you see storms like this roll in, it’s never a bad idea to put a bag of salt in your car just in case you find yourself stuck. Other than on the court of a Warrior’s basketball game, the best place to find salt would be a nearby gas station or supermarket. Most will keep this necessity in stock for the majority of the winter for these exact kinds of storms. 

Winter in Nebraska is cold, icy and on some days, it’s downright Siberian, but if you push past all that, it can be survivable. I hope this guide has given you hope that you too can make it through the cold months ahead. My last piece of advice is this: Do not try to brace yourself for the winter ahead, because no matter what you do, it will not be enough. 

By Caleb Schaber