Air Quality
Nebraska air quality is generally good, with agricultural dust and summer ozone the main concerns.
Monitored days with good air quality
1990–2025U.S. EPA AirData, Annual AQI by County, all monitored Nebraska counties.
Monitored days unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse
1990–2025U.S. EPA AirData, Annual AQI by County (AQI above 100).
Wildfires
Nebraska sees periodic grass and rangeland wildfires, particularly in the Sandhills and Panhandle during dry, windy conditions.
- •The 2012 Nebraska wildfire season was one of the most destructive on record, burning hundreds of thousands of acres.
Drought
Nebraska experiences recurring drought, with roughly 30-40% of the state typically classified in moderate drought or worse during dry years.
Area in drought (D1–D4), yearly average
2000–2025U.S. Drought Monitor (NDMC / USDA / NOAA), average of weekly maps.
Area in extreme or exceptional drought (D3–D4)
2000–2025U.S. Drought Monitor (NDMC / USDA / NOAA), average of weekly maps.
- •Western Nebraska's Sandhills and Panhandle regions are especially vulnerable to prolonged drought cycles.
Water Usage
Nebraska irrigates more farmland than any other state, drawing mainly on the Ogallala aquifer.
- •Nebraska has more irrigated acres than any other U.S. state.
Emissions
Nebraska emits about 65 million metric tons of energy-related CO2 annually, reflecting its agricultural and industrial base.
Energy-related CO₂ emissions
1970–2021U.S. EIA State Energy Data System, all sectors and fuels (FRED EMISSCO2TOTVTTTONEA).
Transportation CO₂ emissions
1970–2021U.S. EIA State Energy Data System, transportation sector (FRED EMISSCO2TOTVTCTONEA).
- •Agriculture and livestock production are significant contributors to Nebraska's greenhouse gas footprint.
Climate Indicators
Nebraska faces intensifying drought, extreme heat and major river flooding.
Average annual temperature
1895–2025NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Climate at a Glance, statewide January–December average.
Annual precipitation
1895–2025NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Climate at a Glance, statewide January–December total.
- •The 2019 Missouri River floods caused record agricultural losses in Nebraska.