Crisp Central US Forecast: Clear Skies Dominate, Cold Overnight Lows (Dec 14-15)
Crisp Central US Forecast: Clear Skies Dominate, Cold Overnight Lows Expected (December 14-15, 2025)
As we navigate the heart of December, the Central United States is settling into a classic winter pattern, at least for the next 24 hours. From the high plains of Colorado to the Great Lakes, residents can anticipate a period dominated by clear skies and increasingly cold temperatures, particularly as night falls. This forecast for Sunday, December 14th, through early Monday, December 15th, 2025, highlights a generally stable atmospheric setup, offering a brief reprieve from the more turbulent weather systems that often sweep across this expansive region during the winter months. While no major weather alerts are currently in effect, the significant temperature drops overnight warrant careful attention to preparedness, especially for travel and outdoor activities.

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Current Conditions Across the Central Zone: Sunday Afternoon & Evening (December 14th)
The Central Zone presents a varied, yet predominantly clear, picture this Sunday afternoon and early evening. A broad high-pressure system is largely dictating the weather, pushing away significant cloud cover and precipitation. However, temperatures span a wide range, reflecting the vast geographical extent of this region.
- Rocky Mountain Front Range (Denver, CO & Colorado Springs, CO): The day is remarkably mild and sunny for mid-December. Denver is enjoying a pleasant 65°F with a very light 2 mph wind, making for an unusually comfortable afternoon. Colorado Springs isn't far behind, reporting 57°F with a gentle 5 mph breeze. These conditions are significantly warmer than average for this time of year, offering a final chance to enjoy some milder air before the inevitable winter chill sets in.
- Southern Plains (Wichita, KS & Kansas City, MO): Moving eastward, the warmth begins to moderate, but sunshine remains abundant. Wichita, KS, is experiencing 26°F with a light 6 mph wind, providing a crisp, clear day. Kansas City, MO, is slightly cooler at 23°F, also with a light 5 mph wind and sunny skies. These conditions are conducive to outdoor activities, though the air is certainly carrying a winter bite.
- Mid-Mississippi Valley (St. Louis, MO & Louisville, KY): Further east, temperatures continue their gradual decline. St. Louis, MO, registers 17°F under sunny skies with a light 5 mph wind. Louisville, KY, is a bit warmer at 14°F with a similar light 6 mph wind and abundant sunshine. The clear conditions are a welcome sight, but the cold is undeniable.
- Central Plains (Omaha, NE & Des Moines, IA): The heart of the Plains is experiencing cooler, but still sunny, conditions. Omaha, NE, is at 21°F with a moderate 14 mph wind, which will make it feel noticeably colder. Des Moines, IA, is a chilly 10°F with a lighter 6 mph wind and sunny skies. The winds in Omaha suggest that the wind chill factor will be a significant consideration.
- Upper Midwest & Great Lakes (Sioux Falls, SD; Minneapolis, MN; Fargo, ND; Milwaukee, WI; Chicago, IL; Indianapolis, IN; Detroit, MI): The northern tier and Great Lakes states are feeling the brunt of the colder air mass. Fargo, ND, is quite cold at 6°F, with a brisk 18 mph wind making conditions feel much colder due to wind chill. Sioux Falls, SD, is 11°F with a noticeable 15 mph wind and sunny skies. Minneapolis, MN, is a frigid 1°F with a 10 mph wind, under partly sunny skies. These are truly winter conditions, demanding proper cold-weather gear. Further south, Milwaukee, WI, reports 9°F with a 10 mph wind and mostly sunny conditions. Chicago, IL, is 12°F with a 10 mph wind and sunny skies. Indianapolis, IN, is 8°F with a 7 mph wind and sunny conditions, while Detroit, MI, is 17°F with a 9 mph wind and mostly sunny skies. For all these locations, the combination of cold temperatures and moderate winds creates significant wind chill, necessitating careful planning for any time spent outdoors.
Overnight Outlook: December 14th into December 15th
As Sunday evening transitions into Monday morning, the clear skies that dominated the daytime will persist across much of the Central Zone. This lack of cloud cover, combined with a generally light wind pattern in many areas, will allow for efficient radiational cooling, leading to a significant drop in temperatures across the entire region. Prepare for a very cold night.
- Rocky Mountain Front Range: Denver, CO, will see its temperature drop considerably from its daytime high, settling at 41°F by early Monday morning, accompanied by a light 8 mph wind and mostly clear skies. Colorado Springs, CO, will cool to 40°F with a 10 mph wind under partly cloudy conditions. While still relatively mild compared to the rest of the zone, the overnight dip will be noticeable.
- Southern Plains: Wichita, KS, will dip to 24°F with a moderate 12 mph wind under mostly clear skies. Kansas City, MO, will see temperatures fall to 22°F with a 10 mph wind and clear conditions. St. Louis, MO, will be quite cold at 13°F with a light 6 mph wind and clear skies. These areas will experience a hard freeze, impacting any exposed pipes or sensitive vegetation.
- Mid-Mississippi Valley: Louisville, KY, will reach a chilly 6°F with a very light 1 mph wind under mostly clear skies. Indianapolis, IN, plunges to 1°F with a light 5 mph wind and mostly clear conditions. These are dangerously cold temperatures, and frostbite can occur quickly on exposed skin.
- Central Plains: Omaha, NE, will cool to 21°F with a moderate 12 mph wind under clear skies. Des Moines, IA, will be colder at 18°F with a brisk 13 mph wind and mostly clear conditions. Sioux Falls, SD, is expected to reach 19°F with a 10 mph wind under partly cloudy skies. The combination of cold air and moderate winds will create significant wind chill values, making it feel even colder.
- Upper Midwest & Great Lakes: The coldest temperatures will grip the northern reaches. Minneapolis, MN, will be a frigid 16°F with a 10 mph wind under mostly cloudy skies. Fargo, ND, will be 13°F with a light 5 mph wind and mostly cloudy conditions. Milwaukee, WI, will drop to 8°F with a brisk 15 mph wind under mostly cloudy skies. Chicago, IL, will be 7°F with a strong 15 mph wind and mostly cloudy conditions. Detroit, MI, will register 16°F with an 8 mph wind and mostly cloudy skies. These areas are facing extreme cold, and precautions against frostbite and hypothermia are paramount.
A Deeper Dive into Regional Weather Patterns
The prevailing weather pattern across the Central United States this Sunday and into Monday is largely influenced by a sprawling high-pressure system. This
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