Pawnee State Recreation Area, NE
Today’s Forecast:
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Today’s Report:
Boating
Fair for boating. High near 71°F. Low rain risk (8%). Light wind (7 mph). Slight chance of thunderstorms.
- Temp: Favorable conditions
- Rain: Favorable conditions
- Wind: Favorable conditions
- Thunderstorm: Marginal weather factor
Paddling
Fair for paddling. High near 71°F. Low rain risk (8%). Light wind (7 mph). Slight chance of thunderstorms.
- Temp: Favorable conditions
- Rain: Favorable conditions
- Wind: Favorable conditions
- Thunderstorm: Marginal weather factor
Fishing
Fair for fishing. High near 71°F. Low rain risk (8%). Light wind (7 mph). Slight chance of thunderstorms.
- Temp: Favorable conditions
- Rain: Favorable conditions
- Wind: Favorable conditions
- Thunderstorm: Marginal weather factor
Camping
Fair for camping. High near 71°F. Low rain risk (8%). Light wind (7 mph). Slight chance of thunderstorms.
- Temp: Favorable conditions
- Rain: Favorable conditions
- Wind: Favorable conditions
- Thunderstorm: Marginal weather factor
Outdoor Events / Activities
Fair for outdoor events / activities. High near 71°F. Low rain risk (8%). Light wind (7 mph). Slight chance of thunderstorms.
- Temp: Favorable conditions
- Rain: Favorable conditions
- Wind: Favorable conditions
- Thunderstorm: Marginal weather factor
About Pawnee State Recreation Area
Pawnee State Recreation Area is a Nebraska destination for a Salt Valley lake with boating, paddling, fishing, camping, and seasonal events.
Make the Most of a Pawnee State Recreation Area Day
Match the route, launch, campground, facility, or turnaround time to wind, severe-weather potential, temperature, water, smoke, road access, and daylight. Keep a shorter or more sheltered backup ready.
Weather Tips for Pawnee State Recreation Area
- Check official park, refuge, river, road, fire, and facility notices before leaving.
- Check river flow, reservoir level, wind, waves, cold-water risk, launch status, and locally verified ice reports before water plans; no forecast alone proves ice is safe.
- Expect fast-changing thunderstorms, lightning, hail, and powerful wind during Nebraska’s severe-weather season.
- Carry water, sun protection, layers, navigation, and seasonal traction or flotation appropriate to the activity.
Nearby Towns and Areas
This page can also be useful when planning outdoor time near:
- Emerald
- Lincoln
- Pleasant Dale
- Branched Oak Lake
- Conestoga Lake
- Salt Creek
Plan Around the Conditions
Choose the safest version of a Pawnee State Recreation Area day by matching the activity to current wind, precipitation, temperature, water or snow conditions, access, and daylight.
7-Day Forecast for Pawnee State Recreation Area
Pawnee State Recreation Area Weather by Season
Winter
Winter brings cold snaps, wind chill, snow, and icy roads around Pawnee State Recreation Area. Confirm grooming, access, and locally verified ice conditions before the listed winter activities; no forecast proves ice is safe.
Spring
Spring at Pawnee State Recreation Area is changeable, with strong wind, thunderstorms, muddy access, and rapid temperature swings. Cold water, rising flows, shoreline mud, and reservoir waves require conservative launch decisions.
Summer
Summer at Pawnee State Recreation Area brings the broadest access, along with heat, lightning, hail, severe storms, and intense sun. Watch lake or river wind closely and leave the water early when storms build. Eastern humidity can raise heat stress.
Fall
Fall at Pawnee State Recreation Area usually offers cooler air and fewer insects, but daylight shortens quickly and early freezes are possible. Watch for hunting activity, wet leaves, early ice, and changing campground services.
Key Climate Data Points
- Annual average temperature: about 50–53°F using the nearest practical regional climate context.
- Annual snowfall: often 25–35 inches, with windblown snow and highly variable lake ice.
- Warmest months: July and August are normally warmest.
- Coolest months: December and January are typically coolest.
- Wettest season: late spring and early summer usually bring the most precipitation and severe-storm exposure.
- Driest season: late fall and winter are generally driest, though snow and upslope events vary by region.
- Best outdoor window: May through October for the main warm-season activities, with winter outings limited to verified access, snow, and ice conditions.