If you’re moving to Bellevue or just visiting Offutt Air Force Base, you’ve probably heard the jokes. People say if you don't like the weather in Bellevue NE, just wait five minutes. It’s a cliché, sure, but honestly? It’s mostly true. Living here means keeping a snow shovel and a bottle of sunscreen in your trunk at the same time.
Bellevue isn't just "flat and windy." It’s a place where the Missouri River creates its own microclimates and where the sky can turn a bruised shade of green in June. You’ll experience the full weight of all four seasons, often within a single week.
The Reality of Bellevue’s Seasonal Rollercoaster
Most outsiders think Nebraska is a frozen wasteland or a humid cornfield. It's both, but the transitions are what catch you off guard.
January is the real deal. The temperature typically bottom out around 17°F, but that doesn't account for the wind chill coming off the plains. You’ve probably seen 35°F on the forecast and thought, "That's not bad," only to step outside and feel the "Omaha breeze" cut through your coat like a knife. The humidity stays high in winter, about 86%, which makes the cold feel damp and heavy rather than crisp.
Then comes spring. This is the most volatile time for weather in Bellevue NE.
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The Spring Transition and Storm Season
In March, you’ll see days where it hits 65°F, followed by a blizzard forty-eight hours later. By May, the chance of a "wet day" jumps to over 40%. This isn't just light drizzle; it’s the beginning of severe convective weather.
- Tornadoes: Nebraska is part of Tornado Alley. While the actual odds of a strike on your specific house are low, the sirens are a real part of life here. May and June are the peak months.
- Hail: This is the silent car-killer. Sarpy County often gets hammered with "golf ball" sized hail that keeps local body shops busy for months.
- Flash Floods: Because Bellevue sits right on the Missouri and Platte River confluence, the ground gets saturated fast.
Summer is More Than Just Heat
July is the hottest month, with average highs of 87°F. That sounds manageable until you factor in the humidity. It's "soup" weather. You walk outside and immediately feel like you need a second shower.
The humidity in Bellevue is driven by "corn sweat"—officially known as evapotranspiration. All those miles of crops to the west release moisture into the air, which then settles over the river valley. It's why 90°F in Bellevue feels significantly more punishing than 90°F in Denver.
Surprisingly, July is also when the sky is clearest. You get about 72% clear or partly cloudy days. It’s perfect for the Bellevue RiverFront Festival, provided you stay hydrated.
Fall: The Only Time the Weather Behaves
If you ask a local, they’ll tell you October is the best month. The humidity drops, the "swelter" vanishes, and the daily highs settle into a comfortable 65°F.
The sky starts to get cloudier again toward the end of the month, but the air is dry. It’s the one time of year where the weather in Bellevue NE feels predictable. You can actually plan an outdoor wedding or a hike at Fontenelle Forest without checking the radar every twenty minutes.
Hard Facts: What the Numbers Actually Say
Let’s look at the raw data for a second. In 2025, Nebraska saw its 14th wettest July on record. Bellevue specifically has seen an increase in average wind speeds over the last thirty years.
- Coldest Day: Usually around January 13th.
- Hottest Day: Usually around July 20th.
- Wettest Period: May through June.
- Snowfall: We average about 31 inches a year, but it rarely stays on the ground for more than a week due to "thaw-freeze" cycles.
Historically, the most intense wind events occur in June. Back in 2008, a thunderstorm clocked gusts at 77 mph near the base, causing millions in damages. These "derechos" or straight-line wind events are actually more common and often more destructive to property in Bellevue than actual tornadoes.
Practical Tips for Surviving Bellevue’s Climate
You can’t just wing it here. You need a strategy.
Invest in a "Garage Kit"
Don't wait for the first frost to find your ice scraper. Keep a bag of sand or salt in your garage. Bellevue’s hills—especially around the older parts of town—become absolute ice rinks the moment the temperature dips below 32°F.
The "Layer" Rule is Law
In the fall and spring, you’ll start your commute in a heavy parka and end your lunch break in a t-shirt. Basically, if you aren't wearing at least three layers, you're doing it wrong.
Understand the "Green Sky"
If the sky turns a weird, sickly yellowish-green during a summer evening, stop what you’re doing and check the local news (KETV or WOWT are the standards here). That color is often caused by light scattering through heavy hail and is a prime indicator that things are about to get real.
Prepare for Humidity Spikes
If you have respiratory issues or just hate feeling sticky, July and August are your "indoor months." Ensure your AC unit is serviced in April. If you wait until the first 90-degree day in June, every HVAC tech in Sarpy County will be booked out for three weeks.
Managing the Winter Blues
The cloudiest month is February. It’s gray. It’s windy. It’s demoralizing. Many Bellevue residents use light therapy lamps or take Vitamin D because the sun basically disappears for weeks at a time.
However, the Missouri River valley offers some protection. The bluffs can sometimes break up minor storm cells, meaning Bellevue might get rain while Omaha gets snow, or vice versa. It’s a game of miles.
Actionable Steps for Newcomers:
- Download a Radar App: Don't rely on the default weather app. Use something like RadarScope to see exactly where the hail cores are.
- Sign up for Sarpy County Alerts: Get the text notifications for weather warnings. The sirens are for people outdoors; the texts are for people in bed.
- Check Your Roof: After any major spring storm, do a visual check for missing shingles. The wind here is relentless.
- Winterize Your Vehicle: Check your coolant and tire pressure in November. The first "deep freeze" usually happens right around Thanksgiving, and it will kill a weak battery instantly.
The weather in Bellevue NE is a lot to handle, but it’s part of the local identity. You learn to respect the wind and cherish those rare, perfect 70-degree days in May before the bugs and the heat arrive.