Happy New Year!
Our winter storm is just about over, but frigid temperatures and wind chills, along with snow covered and icy roads, will be with us into News Year’s Day and beyond.
The storm which produced anywhere from 2 to almost 11 inches of snow as of 5pm CT, and drifts several feet high in some areas, is now located over Iowa, and will continue to loose its grip on Greater Nebraska as it moves into Minnesota overnight. Since some snow is still falling as of 5pm CT, it’s possible that snow totals in some areas could slightly increase by the time we get to tomorrow morning.
However, on thing that will not increase is the temperatures, which are on their way to below zero readings in nearly all areas overnight. In fact, some areas like Valentine and Broken Bow never got above zero this afternoon. Look for some light snow to continue overnight, especially over the Sandhills, and winds gusting between 25 and 35mph will continue to cause blowing and drifting, and winds chills anywhere from -20 to -35. In fact, a Wind Chill Advisory is in effect for all areas until noon CT Saturday.
On Saturday, frigid temperatures and low wind chills will continue during the morning, but as winds decrease and temperatures rise into the teens, and some sunshine appears, it won’t feel quite as harsh outside.
Saturday night will be very cold with lows in many areas in the minus teens under mostly clear skies with light winds.
By Sunday, sunshine and light winds will make highs in the 20’s feel much more tolerable.
As high pressure remains in control for at least the next week, look for days to be mainly sunny with highs in the 20’s, reaching the 30’s Wednesday, and lows from just below zero to the teens. No more winter storms are in sight.
Mike
Friday, December 31, 2010
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
A Potentially Dangerous Winter Blast Heading For Greater Nebraska
A potentially dangerous situation for holiday travelers is shaping up for Greater Nebraska.
An arctic cold front will move through the region tomorrow morning, ushering in some bitter cold arctic air on gusty northerly winds. Highs tomorrow will fall throughout the day reaching the teens and lower 20's by evening from overnight lows tonight near or just under freezing. Watch for some patchy fog and mist tonight, which could freeze on some surfaces with mostly cloudy skies.
On Thursday, low pressure will be developing over eastern Colorado, destined to move across Kansas Thursday night into Friday, then northeastward into Minnesota Friday evening. This low will bring accumulating snow and strong, gusty winds on the order of 35 to 40mph beginning later tomorrow and extending through Friday. Some light snow could begin over western areas as early as late tomorrow morning, but should hold off in most areas until afternoon. There could be a light wintry mix for a time over southeastern areas like Lexington before a change over to snow.
By tomorrow evening, the snow should become steadier, then heavier during the overnight into Friday morning as lows drop toward the zero degree mark with gusty northerly winds. These winds will cause blowing and drifting of the snow, and very low wind chills, so travel is not at all recommended tomorrow night and Friday.
On Friday, snow will continue but should begin to taper down during the afternoon with highs only in the single digits with very gusty winds causing a continuation of blowing and drifting snow. Wind chills will be down into the minus teens to minus 30 degree range, making for very dangerous conditions for travel since you can become stranded in these conditions.
Additionally, if you are traveling by air, chances are that your flight will be delayed or cancelled if you are flying anywhere in the western half of the country since severe winter conditions are affecting at least portions or every state except Oklahoma and Texas.
The snow will have ended by Friday night, but blowing and drifting will continue with lows falling below zero with bitter wind chills. Right now, it looks like four to eight inches of snow will accumulate beginning tomorrow afternoon and continuing through Friday. However, these are preliminary totals and could change.
News Year's Day will be partly sunny and breezy, but very cold with highs only in the single digits and teens.
Stay tuned to News 2 for the latest on this winter storm situation.
Mike
An arctic cold front will move through the region tomorrow morning, ushering in some bitter cold arctic air on gusty northerly winds. Highs tomorrow will fall throughout the day reaching the teens and lower 20's by evening from overnight lows tonight near or just under freezing. Watch for some patchy fog and mist tonight, which could freeze on some surfaces with mostly cloudy skies.
On Thursday, low pressure will be developing over eastern Colorado, destined to move across Kansas Thursday night into Friday, then northeastward into Minnesota Friday evening. This low will bring accumulating snow and strong, gusty winds on the order of 35 to 40mph beginning later tomorrow and extending through Friday. Some light snow could begin over western areas as early as late tomorrow morning, but should hold off in most areas until afternoon. There could be a light wintry mix for a time over southeastern areas like Lexington before a change over to snow.
By tomorrow evening, the snow should become steadier, then heavier during the overnight into Friday morning as lows drop toward the zero degree mark with gusty northerly winds. These winds will cause blowing and drifting of the snow, and very low wind chills, so travel is not at all recommended tomorrow night and Friday.
On Friday, snow will continue but should begin to taper down during the afternoon with highs only in the single digits with very gusty winds causing a continuation of blowing and drifting snow. Wind chills will be down into the minus teens to minus 30 degree range, making for very dangerous conditions for travel since you can become stranded in these conditions.
Additionally, if you are traveling by air, chances are that your flight will be delayed or cancelled if you are flying anywhere in the western half of the country since severe winter conditions are affecting at least portions or every state except Oklahoma and Texas.
The snow will have ended by Friday night, but blowing and drifting will continue with lows falling below zero with bitter wind chills. Right now, it looks like four to eight inches of snow will accumulate beginning tomorrow afternoon and continuing through Friday. However, these are preliminary totals and could change.
News Year's Day will be partly sunny and breezy, but very cold with highs only in the single digits and teens.
Stay tuned to News 2 for the latest on this winter storm situation.
Mike
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Still Nice Wednesday, But Then Drastic Changes Starting Thursday
The weather on Wednesday will be very similar to the past couple of days with some sunshine and highs in the 40’s to near 50. However, do not expect the remainder of the week to end on a comfortable note.
High pressure over the eastern states remains in control of our weather pattern, and southerly winds continue to allow relatively mild highs during the day, and chilly but not too cold lows at night. Tonight will be partly cloudy with lows falling into the teens to near 20.
During Wednesday, an elongated area of low pressure extending from eastern Montana to eastern Colorado will strengthen to our west, and this will cause southerly winds to strengthen during the afternoon with some gusts approaching 25mph. However, highs under partly sunny skies will once again reach into the 40’s to near 50, so another pleasant day for this time of year.
The Montana low will move eastward, and by Thursday morning be over south-central South Dakota, dragging an arctic front southeastward into Greater Nebraska. Ahead of this front, lows will not fall much Wednesday night, ranging from the middle 20’s to near freezing. However, a bit of moisture could cause some drizzle, which could freeze on some surfaces.
During Thursday morning, the arctic front will push through Greater Nebraska, and northerly winds will strengthen and drag much colder air into the region. Highs will fall throughout the day, reaching the single digits and low teens across the Sandhills, and the middle teens to lower 20’s elsewhere. In addition, there could be some light wintry precipitation behind the front, possibly some freezing rain and sleet, which would change to snow by evening. Although light, this could cause some slick spots. Also, wind chills will begin to drop, making it very uncomfortable.
By Thursday evening, the Colorado low will begin to strengthen and drop southeastward to the Oklahoma Panhandle, and this is where things could become quite dangerous. Snow should become steadier Thursday evening, then continue into the day on Friday as the low moves across Kansas into southeastern Nebraska during Friday.
In addition, northerly winds will strengthen further, with gusts approaching 35 to perhaps 40mph, which will cause blowing of any snow. Also, lows will fall to below zero across much of the area, perhaps staying just above zero over southwestern areas Thursday night, then only recover to around zero in the Sandhills to the single digits and low teens elsewhere Friday. Wind chills from the minus teens to perhaps as low as minus 30 will occur during this time. This will make it quite dangerous to be outside for any length of time.
As for snow accumulations, right now it looks like a general 3 to 6 inches will fall, with the lower amounts over southern areas like Imperial, North Platte and Lexington, with the higher amounts across the Sandhills and Panhandle. This will make travel quite dangerous, especially since holiday travelers will be on the road.
Please note that this forecast could change since the storm track and intensity is not set in stone. If the storm is stronger or slows down, or tracks a bit further southeast, we could get more snow. Conversely, if the low tracks further northwest, we could see less snow, especially over southern parts of the viewing area.
Once the storm pulls out Friday night, we will be left with cold temperatures for the New Year, with lows near or below zero and highs only in the teens.
Please stay tuned to News 2 for the latest on this potentially dangerous winter weather.
Mike
High pressure over the eastern states remains in control of our weather pattern, and southerly winds continue to allow relatively mild highs during the day, and chilly but not too cold lows at night. Tonight will be partly cloudy with lows falling into the teens to near 20.
During Wednesday, an elongated area of low pressure extending from eastern Montana to eastern Colorado will strengthen to our west, and this will cause southerly winds to strengthen during the afternoon with some gusts approaching 25mph. However, highs under partly sunny skies will once again reach into the 40’s to near 50, so another pleasant day for this time of year.
The Montana low will move eastward, and by Thursday morning be over south-central South Dakota, dragging an arctic front southeastward into Greater Nebraska. Ahead of this front, lows will not fall much Wednesday night, ranging from the middle 20’s to near freezing. However, a bit of moisture could cause some drizzle, which could freeze on some surfaces.
During Thursday morning, the arctic front will push through Greater Nebraska, and northerly winds will strengthen and drag much colder air into the region. Highs will fall throughout the day, reaching the single digits and low teens across the Sandhills, and the middle teens to lower 20’s elsewhere. In addition, there could be some light wintry precipitation behind the front, possibly some freezing rain and sleet, which would change to snow by evening. Although light, this could cause some slick spots. Also, wind chills will begin to drop, making it very uncomfortable.
By Thursday evening, the Colorado low will begin to strengthen and drop southeastward to the Oklahoma Panhandle, and this is where things could become quite dangerous. Snow should become steadier Thursday evening, then continue into the day on Friday as the low moves across Kansas into southeastern Nebraska during Friday.
In addition, northerly winds will strengthen further, with gusts approaching 35 to perhaps 40mph, which will cause blowing of any snow. Also, lows will fall to below zero across much of the area, perhaps staying just above zero over southwestern areas Thursday night, then only recover to around zero in the Sandhills to the single digits and low teens elsewhere Friday. Wind chills from the minus teens to perhaps as low as minus 30 will occur during this time. This will make it quite dangerous to be outside for any length of time.
As for snow accumulations, right now it looks like a general 3 to 6 inches will fall, with the lower amounts over southern areas like Imperial, North Platte and Lexington, with the higher amounts across the Sandhills and Panhandle. This will make travel quite dangerous, especially since holiday travelers will be on the road.
Please note that this forecast could change since the storm track and intensity is not set in stone. If the storm is stronger or slows down, or tracks a bit further southeast, we could get more snow. Conversely, if the low tracks further northwest, we could see less snow, especially over southern parts of the viewing area.
Once the storm pulls out Friday night, we will be left with cold temperatures for the New Year, with lows near or below zero and highs only in the teens.
Please stay tuned to News 2 for the latest on this potentially dangerous winter weather.
Mike
Friday, December 24, 2010
A Cold But Fair Christmas Weekend Expected
A very Merry Christmas to all!!
And the weather for your holiday plans will be cold, but should not cause any major problems.
High pressure over north-central Canada will control our weather for the next several days as it drifts slowly south and southeastward. As a result, it will be cold through the holiday weekend, but after mostly cloudy skies tonight clear out tomorrow morning, skies will be mainly sunny through midweek next week. However, watch for some areas of fog later tonight into tomorrow morning as lows fall into the single digits.
But mostly sunny skies should dominate by Christmas afternoon with highs near freezing with light and variable winds.
Christmas night will be mostly clear and cold with lows near 10.
Then Sunday will be sunny and still cold with highs in the 30’s.
Temperatures early next week will begin to moderate a bit, and by Tuesday we will likely see at least a few areas sneak into the 40’s with sunshine. This moderation will continue Wednesday.
There are indications that a major change in the weather pattern over North America will occur later next week. For several weeks now, the general pattern has featured a trough in the Gulf of Alaska, a ridge in the Rockies, and a trough over the eastern states. However, it appears a reversal will take place with more of a ridge developing to the south of Alaska, and also over the eastern states, with a deep trough over the western and central U.S. As this reversal occurs, the energy that will be carving out this new jet-stream pattern may produce a significant, if not major storm that would affect much of the country from the Rockies eastward. The latest information right now shows that a major winter storm could occur in Greater Nebraska during the Thursday through New Years weekend time period next week. However, this potential event is still a week away, and the exact development, track and strength of this storm all need to be determined, all of which will have a major impact on what our region sees from this storm, if anything. Therefore, please check back with News 2 beginning Sunday and into next week for the latest on this potential storm.
In the meantime, please have a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend!
Mike
And the weather for your holiday plans will be cold, but should not cause any major problems.
High pressure over north-central Canada will control our weather for the next several days as it drifts slowly south and southeastward. As a result, it will be cold through the holiday weekend, but after mostly cloudy skies tonight clear out tomorrow morning, skies will be mainly sunny through midweek next week. However, watch for some areas of fog later tonight into tomorrow morning as lows fall into the single digits.
But mostly sunny skies should dominate by Christmas afternoon with highs near freezing with light and variable winds.
Christmas night will be mostly clear and cold with lows near 10.
Then Sunday will be sunny and still cold with highs in the 30’s.
Temperatures early next week will begin to moderate a bit, and by Tuesday we will likely see at least a few areas sneak into the 40’s with sunshine. This moderation will continue Wednesday.
There are indications that a major change in the weather pattern over North America will occur later next week. For several weeks now, the general pattern has featured a trough in the Gulf of Alaska, a ridge in the Rockies, and a trough over the eastern states. However, it appears a reversal will take place with more of a ridge developing to the south of Alaska, and also over the eastern states, with a deep trough over the western and central U.S. As this reversal occurs, the energy that will be carving out this new jet-stream pattern may produce a significant, if not major storm that would affect much of the country from the Rockies eastward. The latest information right now shows that a major winter storm could occur in Greater Nebraska during the Thursday through New Years weekend time period next week. However, this potential event is still a week away, and the exact development, track and strength of this storm all need to be determined, all of which will have a major impact on what our region sees from this storm, if anything. Therefore, please check back with News 2 beginning Sunday and into next week for the latest on this potential storm.
In the meantime, please have a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend!
Mike
Thursday, December 23, 2010
No White Christmas, But Remaining Cold
Well we won’t have a white Christmas this year, but the good news is that the weather will cooperate for anyone traveling for the Christmas weekend. However, if your will be traveling northward or southward, and especially eastward tonight or tomorrow, be prepared to run into some snow and ice.
A disturbance passing over the Dakotas is causing snow on the order of sever inches over the Dakotas, and this snow will spread into Minnesota and Iowa tonight and tomorrow. At the same time, a developing system over the Oklahoma/Texas Panhandles will drop southward into the heart of Texas Friday, reaching the Gulf Coast Friday night. This system is already spreading some snow and ice over central and especially eastern Kansas, with rain into Oklahoma and Texas. It is also producing some showers near Denver, which will move eastward tonight.
We are sandwiched between the two systems, and although there is lots of moisture around in the form of clouds, fog and mist, we have seen very little in the way of snow since the dynamics necessary to produce it are too far to our north and south. However, along with some fog and mist, we could see a flurry or two tonight as lows drop into the teens with cloudy skies. Watch for some slippery spots, especially on bridges and overpasses where some of the mist could freeze.
After any morning fog and mist, Friday should become partly sunny during the afternoon with highs in the 20’s Sandhills to the 30’s south.
Tomorrow night will be partly cloudy with lows falling into the single digits in many areas.
Then Christmas Day will be mainly sunny but continued cold with highs mostly in the 30’s.
Sunday into next week should be mostly sunny, and it will become a bit milder each day with highs in the 30’s Sunday and Monday, but getting into the 40’s Tuesday and Wednesday.
There are indications that a major winter storm could develop later next week over the Central Plains just in time for the New Year’s weekend. While it is very early to speculate what may occur, this potential storm is something to watch since it could bring snow and wind, and very cold temperatures to Greater Nebraska during the Thursday to Sunday time period next weekend. We here at News 2 will monitor and will keep you updated if it appears the storm will materialize.
Mike
A disturbance passing over the Dakotas is causing snow on the order of sever inches over the Dakotas, and this snow will spread into Minnesota and Iowa tonight and tomorrow. At the same time, a developing system over the Oklahoma/Texas Panhandles will drop southward into the heart of Texas Friday, reaching the Gulf Coast Friday night. This system is already spreading some snow and ice over central and especially eastern Kansas, with rain into Oklahoma and Texas. It is also producing some showers near Denver, which will move eastward tonight.
We are sandwiched between the two systems, and although there is lots of moisture around in the form of clouds, fog and mist, we have seen very little in the way of snow since the dynamics necessary to produce it are too far to our north and south. However, along with some fog and mist, we could see a flurry or two tonight as lows drop into the teens with cloudy skies. Watch for some slippery spots, especially on bridges and overpasses where some of the mist could freeze.
After any morning fog and mist, Friday should become partly sunny during the afternoon with highs in the 20’s Sandhills to the 30’s south.
Tomorrow night will be partly cloudy with lows falling into the single digits in many areas.
Then Christmas Day will be mainly sunny but continued cold with highs mostly in the 30’s.
Sunday into next week should be mostly sunny, and it will become a bit milder each day with highs in the 30’s Sunday and Monday, but getting into the 40’s Tuesday and Wednesday.
There are indications that a major winter storm could develop later next week over the Central Plains just in time for the New Year’s weekend. While it is very early to speculate what may occur, this potential storm is something to watch since it could bring snow and wind, and very cold temperatures to Greater Nebraska during the Thursday to Sunday time period next weekend. We here at News 2 will monitor and will keep you updated if it appears the storm will materialize.
Mike
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
If You Are Hoping For A White Christmas - Wish Hard!
We will need to wish very hard if we want a white Christmas this year!
It appears the possibility of having snow on the ground Christmas day, at least enough to give us a genuine white Christmas, is diminishing as only some very light snow and flurries are expected across Greater Nebraska beginning Thursday afternoon and continuing occasionally until Friday morning. The main system will track too far to our south over Texas, and most of its moisture will remain to our south. At the same time, a disturbance tracking through the Dakotas will spread snow as far south as extreme northern Nebraska. So our region will be sandwiched in between the two systems, with very little in the way of moisture expected.
First for tonight, expect skies to become cloudy with lows in the teens with a light southeasterly breeze.
Tomorrow morning should only be cloudy, but during the afternoon we should see some flurries begin to develop, which may translate into some occasional very light snow toward evening. Highs will be in the 20’s Sandhills to near freezing south.
Tomorrow night, some occasional light snow and flurries should continue as lows fall into the teens.
Then any snow should end during Friday morning, and some sun should appear for the afternoon with highs near freezing.
Accumulations from the event will be very light, from nothing to perhaps an inch in some areas, with the most over northern areas like Valentine and perhaps eastern areas like Broken Bow. However, this could be enough to create some slick spots so be cautious driving and walking.
By Christmas day, high pressure nosing down from Canada will allow for sunny skies, but cold highs in the 20’s Sandhills to near freezing south.
Fair weather is then expected into the middle of next week, along with a trend for a bit milder temperatures.
Stay tuned to News 2 for the latest on this upcoming snow event.
Mike
It appears the possibility of having snow on the ground Christmas day, at least enough to give us a genuine white Christmas, is diminishing as only some very light snow and flurries are expected across Greater Nebraska beginning Thursday afternoon and continuing occasionally until Friday morning. The main system will track too far to our south over Texas, and most of its moisture will remain to our south. At the same time, a disturbance tracking through the Dakotas will spread snow as far south as extreme northern Nebraska. So our region will be sandwiched in between the two systems, with very little in the way of moisture expected.
First for tonight, expect skies to become cloudy with lows in the teens with a light southeasterly breeze.
Tomorrow morning should only be cloudy, but during the afternoon we should see some flurries begin to develop, which may translate into some occasional very light snow toward evening. Highs will be in the 20’s Sandhills to near freezing south.
Tomorrow night, some occasional light snow and flurries should continue as lows fall into the teens.
Then any snow should end during Friday morning, and some sun should appear for the afternoon with highs near freezing.
Accumulations from the event will be very light, from nothing to perhaps an inch in some areas, with the most over northern areas like Valentine and perhaps eastern areas like Broken Bow. However, this could be enough to create some slick spots so be cautious driving and walking.
By Christmas day, high pressure nosing down from Canada will allow for sunny skies, but cold highs in the 20’s Sandhills to near freezing south.
Fair weather is then expected into the middle of next week, along with a trend for a bit milder temperatures.
Stay tuned to News 2 for the latest on this upcoming snow event.
Mike
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Perhaps Some Snow Right Before The Christmas Holiday
Unfortunately it appears that many people, at least in North Platte, did not have a chance to view last night’s total lunar eclipse due to extensive cloud cover, but hopefully most were able to at least get a glimpse from time to time.
And while there was some sun this morning in some areas, clouds were abundant throughout the day, and highs ranged from the upper 20’s north to the low 40’s southwest. Tonight will see a continuation of mostly cloudy skies, and lows will range from the low teens north to near 20 southwest.
Wednesday won’t be much different from today with lots of clouds, though highs should be a bit colder, mainly in the 20’s over the Sandhills to the low 30’s southwest.
Skies will become overcast during Wednesday night ahead of an approaching system from the West Coast, and some light snow could develop toward morning over the Panhandle and the Sandhills as lows fall into the teens.
Our weather Thursday and Thursday night will be dominated by a system that will be developing over the Four Corners Thursday morning, and will move to the Oklahoma/Texas Panhandles Thursday evening, then continue east-southeastward into Friday. In addition, there will be an upper-level disturbance moving by over the Dakotas at the same time. This will leave Greater Nebraska sandwiched between the two, with some light snow quite possible during Thursday into Thursday night, possibly extending into Friday morning over eastern areas. Highs will remain in the cold 20’s with lows in the teens. Right now, it appears that we could see some light accumulations of an inch or two, especially over northern and eastern areas, but no heavy snow is anticipated at this time since the storm is not expected to really intensify until it gets to our east.
However, there are still questions about where the storm will develop and track, and this could change the expected accumulations so please check back with News 2, especially if you plan on traveling for the holiday Thursday or Friday.
Regardless, Christmas day is looking mainly sunny and cold with highs in the 20’s to near 30.
Mike
And while there was some sun this morning in some areas, clouds were abundant throughout the day, and highs ranged from the upper 20’s north to the low 40’s southwest. Tonight will see a continuation of mostly cloudy skies, and lows will range from the low teens north to near 20 southwest.
Wednesday won’t be much different from today with lots of clouds, though highs should be a bit colder, mainly in the 20’s over the Sandhills to the low 30’s southwest.
Skies will become overcast during Wednesday night ahead of an approaching system from the West Coast, and some light snow could develop toward morning over the Panhandle and the Sandhills as lows fall into the teens.
Our weather Thursday and Thursday night will be dominated by a system that will be developing over the Four Corners Thursday morning, and will move to the Oklahoma/Texas Panhandles Thursday evening, then continue east-southeastward into Friday. In addition, there will be an upper-level disturbance moving by over the Dakotas at the same time. This will leave Greater Nebraska sandwiched between the two, with some light snow quite possible during Thursday into Thursday night, possibly extending into Friday morning over eastern areas. Highs will remain in the cold 20’s with lows in the teens. Right now, it appears that we could see some light accumulations of an inch or two, especially over northern and eastern areas, but no heavy snow is anticipated at this time since the storm is not expected to really intensify until it gets to our east.
However, there are still questions about where the storm will develop and track, and this could change the expected accumulations so please check back with News 2, especially if you plan on traveling for the holiday Thursday or Friday.
Regardless, Christmas day is looking mainly sunny and cold with highs in the 20’s to near 30.
Mike
Monday, December 20, 2010
Perhaps An Interesting Week Of Weather
A busy week weather-wise for Christmas week.
First for tonight, there is a total lunar eclipse that begins at 12:33am, and will continue until 4:01am, with totality occurring between 1:41am and 2:53am (all times Central Time). Unfortunately, much of the even may be at least partially obscured by clouds, though clouds should thin out or break at times enough so that we will be able to see at least a portion of the event. Lows will drop to near 20 with light winds.
Then winter begins tomorrow at 5:38pm CT, and will be greet by lots of clouds and perhaps a few flurries, especially over the Sandhills and Panhandle with highs in the 20’s north to 30’s south.
Tomorrow night and Wednesday should be partly to mostly cloudy with lows falling into the teens, and highs Wednesday in the 20’s north to near freezing south.
But the most interesting part of the forecast will come late Wednesday night into Friday morning. A storm system will begin to take shape near the Four Corners Wednesday night, then move east-southeastward to our south Thursday into Friday. This storm has the potential to produce some accumulating snow over Greater Nebraska, which if it occurs would provide us with a white Christmas. However, there are many questions concerning the evolution of this storm. For example, the storm may not fully develop until it’s too our east, or it may move too far to our south to give us much in the way of snowfall. Right now, it does appear that we will receive at least some snow, but how much is still in question. But if everything were to fall into place, we could see several inches of snow in some areas, which could be a problem for some travelers who expect to get an early start on Thursday. Highs Thursday and Friday should remain in the 20’s, with perhaps some low 30’s by Christmas day with more in the way of sunshine.
Another disturbance may cause some snow showers Sunday and Monday with highs in the 20’s and 30’s.
So stay tuned to News 2 for the latest on what may turn out to be quite an active week of weather for the holiday.
Mike
First for tonight, there is a total lunar eclipse that begins at 12:33am, and will continue until 4:01am, with totality occurring between 1:41am and 2:53am (all times Central Time). Unfortunately, much of the even may be at least partially obscured by clouds, though clouds should thin out or break at times enough so that we will be able to see at least a portion of the event. Lows will drop to near 20 with light winds.
Then winter begins tomorrow at 5:38pm CT, and will be greet by lots of clouds and perhaps a few flurries, especially over the Sandhills and Panhandle with highs in the 20’s north to 30’s south.
Tomorrow night and Wednesday should be partly to mostly cloudy with lows falling into the teens, and highs Wednesday in the 20’s north to near freezing south.
But the most interesting part of the forecast will come late Wednesday night into Friday morning. A storm system will begin to take shape near the Four Corners Wednesday night, then move east-southeastward to our south Thursday into Friday. This storm has the potential to produce some accumulating snow over Greater Nebraska, which if it occurs would provide us with a white Christmas. However, there are many questions concerning the evolution of this storm. For example, the storm may not fully develop until it’s too our east, or it may move too far to our south to give us much in the way of snowfall. Right now, it does appear that we will receive at least some snow, but how much is still in question. But if everything were to fall into place, we could see several inches of snow in some areas, which could be a problem for some travelers who expect to get an early start on Thursday. Highs Thursday and Friday should remain in the 20’s, with perhaps some low 30’s by Christmas day with more in the way of sunshine.
Another disturbance may cause some snow showers Sunday and Monday with highs in the 20’s and 30’s.
So stay tuned to News 2 for the latest on what may turn out to be quite an active week of weather for the holiday.
Mike
Friday, December 17, 2010
A Cold And Perhaps Wintry Weekend Ahead
A nearly stationary front right over Greater Nebraska this afternoon will slip a bit further south to the Nebraska/Kansas border Saturday morning, before moving back north as a warm front overnight Saturday. Behind the front, there have been lots of low clouds, and this has held highs into the 20’s over the Sandhills, while some sunshine over southern areas pushed temperatures into the 30’s. As the front continues to slip south, low clouds and perhaps some fog will develop tonight as lows drop into the single digits and teens with near calm winds.
Saturday may begin with some morning fog, then the afternoon will be mostly cloudy with perhaps a bit of sun, but highs will be in the cold 20’s north to perhaps the lower 30’s southwest.
As the front moves northward Saturday night, some snow flurries or very light snow could develop toward Sunday morning, but the activity shouldn’t cause too many problems as it should be quite light with lows in the teens to lower 20’s.
Some flurries or very light snow may continue into Sunday, but we may see the activity taper off during the afternoon as highs climb into the 30’s and even some 40’s just about everywhere in Greater Nebraska under mostly cloudy skies.
By Sunday night, things could get interesting as an area of low pressure develops over Colorado and begins to move east. The low is expected to pass over or just to the south of the region during Monday, and as it does we could see a wintry mix of precipitation develop and continue into the day on Monday. Right now, snow appears most likely Sunday night over the Sandhills, with snow or freezing rain over southern areas from Broken Bow to Oshkosh southward.
By Monday, freezing rain is possible even over the Sandhills, with perhaps some snow as well, with freezing rain more likely over the south, and perhaps even some plain rain in areas like Imperial. The precipitation should be relatively light, but if freezing rain does occur it only takes very little to cause dangerous conditions, so please stay tuned to News 2 for the latest forecasts over the weekend as the scenario and timing is fine tuned.
The activity should be over by Tuesday, with fair and seasonable conditions for the middle and end of next week, which will be good for anyone traveling for the Christmas holiday next weekend. However, with Christmas still a week away, the forecast can change so tune in all next week to news 2 for the latest on your Christmas weekend forecast.
Mike
Saturday may begin with some morning fog, then the afternoon will be mostly cloudy with perhaps a bit of sun, but highs will be in the cold 20’s north to perhaps the lower 30’s southwest.
As the front moves northward Saturday night, some snow flurries or very light snow could develop toward Sunday morning, but the activity shouldn’t cause too many problems as it should be quite light with lows in the teens to lower 20’s.
Some flurries or very light snow may continue into Sunday, but we may see the activity taper off during the afternoon as highs climb into the 30’s and even some 40’s just about everywhere in Greater Nebraska under mostly cloudy skies.
By Sunday night, things could get interesting as an area of low pressure develops over Colorado and begins to move east. The low is expected to pass over or just to the south of the region during Monday, and as it does we could see a wintry mix of precipitation develop and continue into the day on Monday. Right now, snow appears most likely Sunday night over the Sandhills, with snow or freezing rain over southern areas from Broken Bow to Oshkosh southward.
By Monday, freezing rain is possible even over the Sandhills, with perhaps some snow as well, with freezing rain more likely over the south, and perhaps even some plain rain in areas like Imperial. The precipitation should be relatively light, but if freezing rain does occur it only takes very little to cause dangerous conditions, so please stay tuned to News 2 for the latest forecasts over the weekend as the scenario and timing is fine tuned.
The activity should be over by Tuesday, with fair and seasonable conditions for the middle and end of next week, which will be good for anyone traveling for the Christmas holiday next weekend. However, with Christmas still a week away, the forecast can change so tune in all next week to news 2 for the latest on your Christmas weekend forecast.
Mike
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Colder Friday And Into The Weekend
More sunshine than expected pushed temperatures a few degrees higher today than I anticipated yesterday, but the next several days will be colder as arctic air filters in.
A weak boundary lies to our north and east from Montana into northeastern Nebraska, and this boundary should shift south and westward tonight into Friday, allowing colder air to come in from the north. Tonight will be mostly clear, and lows will fall into the teens with a light wind.
Then Friday will be mainly sunny, but highs will rise only into the 20’s across the Sandhills to the 30’s over southern portions. However, since winds will be light it should not be too bad to be outside.
Saturday will be fair with partly sunny skies and highs should be similar to Friday, in the 20’s and 30’s. There could be a few flurries overnight Saturday as a disturbance approaches.
But a system developing to our west looks like it will push either right over us or just to our south Sunday into Monday, and we could see some light wintry precipitation, especially over the Sandhills during this time period. Overall, it should not be significant, but if any freezing rain occurs that could be a problem since it takes very little to cause slick conditions, so this weather scenario will be monitored over the next few days so please stay tuned to News 2 for the latest forecast.
Then it appears another milder spell will begin for the middle of next week with highs approaching or exceeding 40. Right now, chances are still looking very low for a white Christmas in Greater Nebraska, but with the holiday still more than a week away things could still change. Statistically, about 1 in every 4 years has at least one inch of snow on the ground Christmas Day, and last year was one of those years, so chances are we will not see a white Christmas this year, but again, I will let you know if things change.
Mike
A weak boundary lies to our north and east from Montana into northeastern Nebraska, and this boundary should shift south and westward tonight into Friday, allowing colder air to come in from the north. Tonight will be mostly clear, and lows will fall into the teens with a light wind.
Then Friday will be mainly sunny, but highs will rise only into the 20’s across the Sandhills to the 30’s over southern portions. However, since winds will be light it should not be too bad to be outside.
Saturday will be fair with partly sunny skies and highs should be similar to Friday, in the 20’s and 30’s. There could be a few flurries overnight Saturday as a disturbance approaches.
But a system developing to our west looks like it will push either right over us or just to our south Sunday into Monday, and we could see some light wintry precipitation, especially over the Sandhills during this time period. Overall, it should not be significant, but if any freezing rain occurs that could be a problem since it takes very little to cause slick conditions, so this weather scenario will be monitored over the next few days so please stay tuned to News 2 for the latest forecast.
Then it appears another milder spell will begin for the middle of next week with highs approaching or exceeding 40. Right now, chances are still looking very low for a white Christmas in Greater Nebraska, but with the holiday still more than a week away things could still change. Statistically, about 1 in every 4 years has at least one inch of snow on the ground Christmas Day, and last year was one of those years, so chances are we will not see a white Christmas this year, but again, I will let you know if things change.
Mike
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Wintry Mix To End Later Tonight, Then Fair And Seasonable
A weak cold front and an upper-air disturbance combined to produce a wintry mix of precipitation across Greater Nebraska today, with many areas seeing some rains showers, especially across the southwest, but in the Sandhills and over Custer County some of the precipitation fell as a bit of freezing rain and snow showers. A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for Custer County until 8pm CST for the possibility that light freezing rain could cause some slick roads, and slippery spots could develop anywhere until the precipitation shuts off around midnight. Otherwise, expect partly cloudy skies overnight with lows near 20 with a chilly northwesterly breeze.
On Thursday, the region will be under the influence of a high over Montana and Idaho, which is of Pacific origin so highs will be in the seasonable 30’s with a mixture of clouds and sun, but a brisk breeze will make it feel a bit chilly.
However, arctic air is not far away, basically situated from the Dakotas eastward. A front currently extending from the Dakotas through eastern Nebraska will move westward as a cold front during the next couple of days, so we will see temperatures trend downward into the weekend as some of the arctic air makes it into the area. Highs Friday and Saturday with sunshine will be in the 20’s to low 30’s, with lows falling into the single digits and low teens. So not bitterly cold like last weekend, but still chilly nonetheless.
By Sunday, a system developing to our west over Colorado may get close enough to produce some rain and snow showers during the afternoon and night, ending Monday morning, but right now this does not look to be significant. Highs into early next week will stay in the seasonable 30’s.
By Wednesday, a milder trend may begin as a high pressure ridge moves eastward into the Plains, and highs should get back into the 40’s.
Still no sign of a White Christmas for Greater Nebraska, but I will keep searching for any possibilities!
Mike
On Thursday, the region will be under the influence of a high over Montana and Idaho, which is of Pacific origin so highs will be in the seasonable 30’s with a mixture of clouds and sun, but a brisk breeze will make it feel a bit chilly.
However, arctic air is not far away, basically situated from the Dakotas eastward. A front currently extending from the Dakotas through eastern Nebraska will move westward as a cold front during the next couple of days, so we will see temperatures trend downward into the weekend as some of the arctic air makes it into the area. Highs Friday and Saturday with sunshine will be in the 20’s to low 30’s, with lows falling into the single digits and low teens. So not bitterly cold like last weekend, but still chilly nonetheless.
By Sunday, a system developing to our west over Colorado may get close enough to produce some rain and snow showers during the afternoon and night, ending Monday morning, but right now this does not look to be significant. Highs into early next week will stay in the seasonable 30’s.
By Wednesday, a milder trend may begin as a high pressure ridge moves eastward into the Plains, and highs should get back into the 40’s.
Still no sign of a White Christmas for Greater Nebraska, but I will keep searching for any possibilities!
Mike
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
A Trend Toward Seasonable Temperatures With Perhaps Some Light Precipitation
Today felt much nicer to be outside with highs in the 40’s and 50’s, with Ogallala approaching the 60 degree mark with upper 50’s. However, we will reverse the trend Wednesday and turn a bit colder, though nowhere near as cold as what occurred this past weekend.
Tonight will be mostly cloudy and not too cold for this time of year with lows near the 20 degree mark.
A front will approach from the northwest Wednesday, and will move through Greater Nebraska during the day. This front, along with a couple of disturbances that will move southward with it, will cause lots of clouds for Wednesday, and perhaps a few rain and snow showers, especially during the afternoon as highs crest in the 30’s north to the 40’s south. Any precipitation should be light and not cause travel problems, though over the Sandhills there could be a few slick spots where it will be colder. A northerly breeze will develop during the afternoon with winds gusting up to 25mph.
Once this front and disturbances move by, the weather over Greater Nebraska will mainly be governed by high pressure over the Northern Rockies and Plains. Temperatures through the rest of the week into the weekend will be seasonably cold, with highs in the 30’s, perhaps 20’s over the Sandhills, and lows in the teens. Skies will be partly to mostly sunny by day and partly cloudy at night.
No big storms are on the horizon, and with Christmas only about 10 days away, the chance of a white Christmas is not looking very high at this time. Perhaps Santa will surprise us with at least a bit of snow just before the Christmas holiday, and I will continue to keep an eye for any possibility of this occurring.
Mike
Tonight will be mostly cloudy and not too cold for this time of year with lows near the 20 degree mark.
A front will approach from the northwest Wednesday, and will move through Greater Nebraska during the day. This front, along with a couple of disturbances that will move southward with it, will cause lots of clouds for Wednesday, and perhaps a few rain and snow showers, especially during the afternoon as highs crest in the 30’s north to the 40’s south. Any precipitation should be light and not cause travel problems, though over the Sandhills there could be a few slick spots where it will be colder. A northerly breeze will develop during the afternoon with winds gusting up to 25mph.
Once this front and disturbances move by, the weather over Greater Nebraska will mainly be governed by high pressure over the Northern Rockies and Plains. Temperatures through the rest of the week into the weekend will be seasonably cold, with highs in the 30’s, perhaps 20’s over the Sandhills, and lows in the teens. Skies will be partly to mostly sunny by day and partly cloudy at night.
No big storms are on the horizon, and with Christmas only about 10 days away, the chance of a white Christmas is not looking very high at this time. Perhaps Santa will surprise us with at least a bit of snow just before the Christmas holiday, and I will continue to keep an eye for any possibility of this occurring.
Mike
Monday, December 13, 2010
Moderating Trend Through Midweek Then Seasonable Through The Weekend
Greater Nebraska was certainly very cold and windy over the weekend, but we were fortunate that a storm that plastered areas to our north and east did not develop about 300 miles further southwest. If it had, we would have been digging out of lots of snow, and faced some very dangerous winter conditions and potential road closures due to blizzard conditions. In fact, those conditions were experienced as close to us as eastern Nebraska, where Omaha was under a blizzard warning during Saturday afternoon and night.
Now the arctic high pressure that brought the bitter cold temperatures is moving slowly eastward, and this is allowing the cold to moderate slowly, and this moderation will continue through the middle of the week as a southerly flow of air continues. Tonight will be mostly cloudy, and it won’t be quite as cold with lows near 20.
Tuesday will be partly sunny and nice in the afternoon as highs reach the 40’s and 50’s, with light winds.
As a system drop southward to our west on Wednesday, skies will be mostly cloudy, and there is a slight chance of a rain or snow showers as highs reach the 30’s north to the 40’s south, and a gusty breeze will make it feel somewhat colder.
For the remainder of the week and the weekend, Greater Nebraska will remain in a dry weather pattern as the jet stream becomes aligned more west to east, and temperatures will be seasonable with highs in the 30’s and lows in the teens.
Mike
Now the arctic high pressure that brought the bitter cold temperatures is moving slowly eastward, and this is allowing the cold to moderate slowly, and this moderation will continue through the middle of the week as a southerly flow of air continues. Tonight will be mostly cloudy, and it won’t be quite as cold with lows near 20.
Tuesday will be partly sunny and nice in the afternoon as highs reach the 40’s and 50’s, with light winds.
As a system drop southward to our west on Wednesday, skies will be mostly cloudy, and there is a slight chance of a rain or snow showers as highs reach the 30’s north to the 40’s south, and a gusty breeze will make it feel somewhat colder.
For the remainder of the week and the weekend, Greater Nebraska will remain in a dry weather pattern as the jet stream becomes aligned more west to east, and temperatures will be seasonable with highs in the 30’s and lows in the teens.
Mike
Friday, December 10, 2010
Turning Much Colder And Windy For The Weekend
Lexington hit 60 again today, with all other areas across Greater Nebraska reaching the 50’s for another mild day despite the clouds. And we will see mild temperatures again next week, but first we need to get through a much colder weekend.
An arctic front will move through tonight, and will put an abrupt end to our current mild spell. The front is currently extends from west-central Montana to northeastern Wyoming, then eastward over southern South Dakota where it intersects a developing area of low pressure over south-central South Dakota. The front then continues eastward into the central Great Lakes. But as the low moves eastward into Iowa later tonight and tomorrow, it will rapidly intensify and drag the cold front through the region early tonight. It will also cause very gusty northwesterly winds from 35 to 45mph in gusts from later tonight through much of Saturday, which will pull arctic air in association with a strong arctic high now over central Canada southward into the area.
In addition, the front could cause a few rain light rain showers this evening, but after the front moves through a few snow showers are possible, especially over the Sandhills where some light accumulations under one inch are possible, and there is a chance of a few slick spots this precipitation should be quite light and not cause too many problems. Lows tonight will fall into the teens by morning, but the gusty winds will make it feel much colder. Skies will be mostly cloudy.
By Saturday, the low will be causing blizzard conditions from Iowa into parts of Minnesota, but will be too far east of Greater Nebraska to produce much snow, so any morning flurries will end but it will remain quite windy with gusts 35 to 45mph, and highs will range from the teens north to the 20’s south. Skies should be partly sunny during the afternoon.
As the Iowa low continue toward the central Great Lakes, winds will begin to diminish Saturday evening, but the overnight will be very cold with lows ranging from just below zero across the north, to the single digits and low teens over Southwest Nebraska. Skies will be partly cloudy.
Sunday will be partly sunny and much less windy but still cold as the arctic highs over North Dakota and Minnesota remains in control, and highs will reach the 20’s over eastern areas to the 30’s west.
Then, as the arctic high pushes east early next week, we will see another moderating trend with highs in the 40’s to even 50’s from Monday to Wednesday under partly sunny skies. Temperatures will turn a bit cooler toward the end of next week. No big storms are in sight for at least the next week.
Mike
An arctic front will move through tonight, and will put an abrupt end to our current mild spell. The front is currently extends from west-central Montana to northeastern Wyoming, then eastward over southern South Dakota where it intersects a developing area of low pressure over south-central South Dakota. The front then continues eastward into the central Great Lakes. But as the low moves eastward into Iowa later tonight and tomorrow, it will rapidly intensify and drag the cold front through the region early tonight. It will also cause very gusty northwesterly winds from 35 to 45mph in gusts from later tonight through much of Saturday, which will pull arctic air in association with a strong arctic high now over central Canada southward into the area.
In addition, the front could cause a few rain light rain showers this evening, but after the front moves through a few snow showers are possible, especially over the Sandhills where some light accumulations under one inch are possible, and there is a chance of a few slick spots this precipitation should be quite light and not cause too many problems. Lows tonight will fall into the teens by morning, but the gusty winds will make it feel much colder. Skies will be mostly cloudy.
By Saturday, the low will be causing blizzard conditions from Iowa into parts of Minnesota, but will be too far east of Greater Nebraska to produce much snow, so any morning flurries will end but it will remain quite windy with gusts 35 to 45mph, and highs will range from the teens north to the 20’s south. Skies should be partly sunny during the afternoon.
As the Iowa low continue toward the central Great Lakes, winds will begin to diminish Saturday evening, but the overnight will be very cold with lows ranging from just below zero across the north, to the single digits and low teens over Southwest Nebraska. Skies will be partly cloudy.
Sunday will be partly sunny and much less windy but still cold as the arctic highs over North Dakota and Minnesota remains in control, and highs will reach the 20’s over eastern areas to the 30’s west.
Then, as the arctic high pushes east early next week, we will see another moderating trend with highs in the 40’s to even 50’s from Monday to Wednesday under partly sunny skies. Temperatures will turn a bit cooler toward the end of next week. No big storms are in sight for at least the next week.
Mike
Thursday, December 9, 2010
A Beautiful Friday, Then Much Colder Saturday
Highs reached will into the 50’s across Greater Nebraska today, with North Platte reaching the 60 degree mark, and with sunshine it was an outstanding December afternoon weather-wise. And we will enjoy one more beautiful day before arctic air returns this weekend.
High pressure to our west over Colorado and Wyoming produced west to northwest winds that warmed quickly east of the mountains, and this allowed highs to reach the mid 50’s as far north as South Dakota. This high will control our weather through Friday, and we can expect mostly clear skies tonight with lows only dropping into the 20’s with light and variable winds.
We may see a few more clouds Friday than we did today, especially during the afternoon as the arctic front begin to approach, but temperatures should still reach the 50’s to near 60 with a southwesterly breeze.
But the arctic front will move southward through Greater Nebraska overnight Friday, and it may produce some light rain early which will change to light snow as lows drop into the teens. Also, a low pressure strengthens to our east over Iowa, gusty northwesterly winds to 35mph will make it feel colder.
Any light snow should end Saturday morning, with little if any accumulation expected, then partly sunny skies will develop. However, highs may remain steady or even fall a bit in the afternoon, staying in the teens north to perhaps near 30 over the extreme southwest. Winds will remain very gusty out of the northwest, producing low wind chills.
Saturday night will remain blustery and cold with lows in the single digits and teens with mostly clear skies.
Then Sunday will be partly sunny and not as windy, but still cold with highs in the 30’s.
Expect another warm-up early next week with highs in the 40’s and 50’s, before it turns colder again for late next week as our see-saw temperature pattern continues.
Mike
High pressure to our west over Colorado and Wyoming produced west to northwest winds that warmed quickly east of the mountains, and this allowed highs to reach the mid 50’s as far north as South Dakota. This high will control our weather through Friday, and we can expect mostly clear skies tonight with lows only dropping into the 20’s with light and variable winds.
We may see a few more clouds Friday than we did today, especially during the afternoon as the arctic front begin to approach, but temperatures should still reach the 50’s to near 60 with a southwesterly breeze.
But the arctic front will move southward through Greater Nebraska overnight Friday, and it may produce some light rain early which will change to light snow as lows drop into the teens. Also, a low pressure strengthens to our east over Iowa, gusty northwesterly winds to 35mph will make it feel colder.
Any light snow should end Saturday morning, with little if any accumulation expected, then partly sunny skies will develop. However, highs may remain steady or even fall a bit in the afternoon, staying in the teens north to perhaps near 30 over the extreme southwest. Winds will remain very gusty out of the northwest, producing low wind chills.
Saturday night will remain blustery and cold with lows in the single digits and teens with mostly clear skies.
Then Sunday will be partly sunny and not as windy, but still cold with highs in the 30’s.
Expect another warm-up early next week with highs in the 40’s and 50’s, before it turns colder again for late next week as our see-saw temperature pattern continues.
Mike
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
A Couple Of Mild Days Ahead Before A Wintry Weekend
After a cold start, this afternoon was a few degrees milder than yesterday with highs in the 40’s to a few low 50’s. And the next couple of days will be even milder, but another major cooldown is lurking for the weekend.
A stationary front lies just to the east of Greater Nebraska, and separates very chilly air over extreme eastern Nebraska from milder air over western Nebraska. Highs in Norfolk did not get out of the mid 20’s today, while highs in Chadron reached the mid 50’s. Low pressure over southern Canada will move east, passing north of North Dakota during Friday. This low will help drag the stationary front eastward as a warm front, and also push a weak trough eastward through the region overnight, allowing milder air from the west to filter into the area. Lots of clouds accompany this trough, so tonight will be mostly cloudy and not as cold with lows in the 20’s with a light breeze.
By Thursday, milder air will be working in and highs both tomorrow and Friday will reach the 50’s to near 60 in nearly all of Greater Nebraska with partly to mostly sunny skies. It will be a bit breezy tomorrow, but a nice day nevertheless.
Thursday night will be mostly clear with lows near 20.
But Friday night, an arctic front will move through the area, and could produce some light mixed precipitation early before it changes over to light snow as much colder air sweep in on gusty northerly winds. Lows will fall into the teens.
Then Saturday, a potent storm will be taking shape to our south and east that will be moving eastward to the Ohio Valley and intensifying. While this storm should not produce much snow here, it will cause gusty winds to continue on Saturday that will drill in Arctic air as it acts in concert with arctic high pressure dropping southward from Canada. Highs Saturday may remain steady or even slowly fall, and likely will not get out of the 20’s, and even teens in some northern areas. Winds may gust out of the north to 40mph, causing very low wind chills.
By Saturday night, lows will fall into the single digits and low teens, and may approach the zero mark in some northern areas with blustery conditions.
Sunday will be less windy with some sunshine, but highs will remain mainly in the 20’s.
Then another warm-up is expected to begin early next week.
Stay tuned to News 2 for the latest on the weekend cold and potential for some wintry precipitation.
Mike
A stationary front lies just to the east of Greater Nebraska, and separates very chilly air over extreme eastern Nebraska from milder air over western Nebraska. Highs in Norfolk did not get out of the mid 20’s today, while highs in Chadron reached the mid 50’s. Low pressure over southern Canada will move east, passing north of North Dakota during Friday. This low will help drag the stationary front eastward as a warm front, and also push a weak trough eastward through the region overnight, allowing milder air from the west to filter into the area. Lots of clouds accompany this trough, so tonight will be mostly cloudy and not as cold with lows in the 20’s with a light breeze.
By Thursday, milder air will be working in and highs both tomorrow and Friday will reach the 50’s to near 60 in nearly all of Greater Nebraska with partly to mostly sunny skies. It will be a bit breezy tomorrow, but a nice day nevertheless.
Thursday night will be mostly clear with lows near 20.
But Friday night, an arctic front will move through the area, and could produce some light mixed precipitation early before it changes over to light snow as much colder air sweep in on gusty northerly winds. Lows will fall into the teens.
Then Saturday, a potent storm will be taking shape to our south and east that will be moving eastward to the Ohio Valley and intensifying. While this storm should not produce much snow here, it will cause gusty winds to continue on Saturday that will drill in Arctic air as it acts in concert with arctic high pressure dropping southward from Canada. Highs Saturday may remain steady or even slowly fall, and likely will not get out of the 20’s, and even teens in some northern areas. Winds may gust out of the north to 40mph, causing very low wind chills.
By Saturday night, lows will fall into the single digits and low teens, and may approach the zero mark in some northern areas with blustery conditions.
Sunday will be less windy with some sunshine, but highs will remain mainly in the 20’s.
Then another warm-up is expected to begin early next week.
Stay tuned to News 2 for the latest on the weekend cold and potential for some wintry precipitation.
Mike
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Another Mild Spell Before A Much Colder Weekend
After this morning’s bout with freezing rain in some areas, we have some milder weather to look forward to through Friday.
A frontal system basically over Greater Nebraska will move little during Wednesday. While the front will not cause any more precipitation, high temperatures east of the front will remain in the 20’s and 30’s over eastern Nebraska, while temperatures in the 40’s to near 50 can be expected over southwestern areas and the Panhandle.
But first, skies tonight will be mostly clear, but watch for some areas of fog late with lows in the teens.
After some morning fog, Wednesday afternoon will be partly to mostly sunny with highs in the 40’s to near 50.
As a clipper system moves to our north Thursday, it will drag the front east with it, so milder temperatures can be expected with highs from the upper 40’s to middle 50’s both Thursday and Friday with partly to mostly sunny skies, so a nice way to end the workweek.
But Friday night, another arctic front will be dropping southward across the Dakotas and Montana, and the front will move through overnight, and much colder air will filter in behind it on very gusty northerly winds. At the same time, upper-level energy will drop southeastward through the Plains, and a storm will develop to our south and east by Saturday. As this occurs, a mix of wintry precipitation is possible early Friday night before colder air changes and mix over to snow. Right now it appears that the bulk of any snow accumulation will occur to our east, but it is possible that some light accumulation could occur into Saturday.
Then Saturday will be quite windy and much colder as the arctic air rushes in, and temperatures may remain steady or even fall into the 20’s during the afternoon.
Saturday night and Sunday will be quite cold with lows in the single digits and teens, and highs in the 20’s, but with some sun.
Temperatures will then slowly moderate for the beginning of next week.
Stay tuned to News 2 for the latest on the possibility of snow this weekend.
Mike
A frontal system basically over Greater Nebraska will move little during Wednesday. While the front will not cause any more precipitation, high temperatures east of the front will remain in the 20’s and 30’s over eastern Nebraska, while temperatures in the 40’s to near 50 can be expected over southwestern areas and the Panhandle.
But first, skies tonight will be mostly clear, but watch for some areas of fog late with lows in the teens.
After some morning fog, Wednesday afternoon will be partly to mostly sunny with highs in the 40’s to near 50.
As a clipper system moves to our north Thursday, it will drag the front east with it, so milder temperatures can be expected with highs from the upper 40’s to middle 50’s both Thursday and Friday with partly to mostly sunny skies, so a nice way to end the workweek.
But Friday night, another arctic front will be dropping southward across the Dakotas and Montana, and the front will move through overnight, and much colder air will filter in behind it on very gusty northerly winds. At the same time, upper-level energy will drop southeastward through the Plains, and a storm will develop to our south and east by Saturday. As this occurs, a mix of wintry precipitation is possible early Friday night before colder air changes and mix over to snow. Right now it appears that the bulk of any snow accumulation will occur to our east, but it is possible that some light accumulation could occur into Saturday.
Then Saturday will be quite windy and much colder as the arctic air rushes in, and temperatures may remain steady or even fall into the 20’s during the afternoon.
Saturday night and Sunday will be quite cold with lows in the single digits and teens, and highs in the 20’s, but with some sun.
Temperatures will then slowly moderate for the beginning of next week.
Stay tuned to News 2 for the latest on the possibility of snow this weekend.
Mike
Monday, December 6, 2010
Milder During Workweek, Then Colder Again This Weekend
This week’s weather will be very much like last week where we turned milder as the week progressed, then colder for the weekend.
As an upper disturbance passes by to our southwest overnight into Tuesday morning, we could see a few snow showers and flurries, especially over the Panhandle and southwestern parts of our viewing area, where there could even be a coating of snow, as lows drop into the teens with mostly cloudy skies.
Tuesday will be a decent day for December with a mixture of sun and clouds expected, and highs getting into the 40’s in most areas with light winds.
As the upper-level pattern flattens and becomes more west-east oriented, we will see temperatures moderate through the workweek with mostly sunny skies and highs from the 40’s to near 50 Wednesday, then into the 50’s to perhaps near 60 Thursday and Friday. Lows in the teens Wednesday morning will warm some into the 20’s for Thursday and Friday.
Then as an arctic front approaches Friday night, there could be some snow showers, which could continue into Saturday as much colder air once again enters Greater Nebraska. Highs over the weekend will stay generally in the 20’s and 30’s, with lows falling back into the single digits and teens.
Mike
As an upper disturbance passes by to our southwest overnight into Tuesday morning, we could see a few snow showers and flurries, especially over the Panhandle and southwestern parts of our viewing area, where there could even be a coating of snow, as lows drop into the teens with mostly cloudy skies.
Tuesday will be a decent day for December with a mixture of sun and clouds expected, and highs getting into the 40’s in most areas with light winds.
As the upper-level pattern flattens and becomes more west-east oriented, we will see temperatures moderate through the workweek with mostly sunny skies and highs from the 40’s to near 50 Wednesday, then into the 50’s to perhaps near 60 Thursday and Friday. Lows in the teens Wednesday morning will warm some into the 20’s for Thursday and Friday.
Then as an arctic front approaches Friday night, there could be some snow showers, which could continue into Saturday as much colder air once again enters Greater Nebraska. Highs over the weekend will stay generally in the 20’s and 30’s, with lows falling back into the single digits and teens.
Mike
Friday, December 3, 2010
Arctic Front Ends Our Brief Fling With Spring
Spring-like highs in the 60’s reached as far north as Thedford today, with Imperial reaching a balmy 67 and North Platte getting to 64 before an arctic front moved through this afternoon and temperatures began to fall. In addition, a gusty northerly breeze up and over 30mph also begin to add a chill to the air, and this will continue overnight as lows drop to near 20 with mostly cloudy skies.
Saturday will be a much colder day as an arctic high sinks southeastward into North Dakota and continues to drill colder air into the region, and with lots of clouds and winds that could gust to 25mph, it will feel even colder. There could even be a snow flurry very late in the day, especially over southwestern parts of Greater Nebraska.
But as a disturbance drops southeastward into western Nebraska Saturday night and Sunday, some snow showers could develop, mainly over southwestern areas from about Lexington to North Platte to Oshkosh. There could even be some light accumulations of an inch or so as lows drop into the teens, so some possible slippery conditions might develop so please stay tunes to later forecasts.
The snow showers and flurries could continue into at least the morning hours on Sunday, but skies should remain mostly cloudy with highs only reaching the upper 20 to low 30’s in most areas.
We should see more sunshine early next week, but temperatures will remain mainly in the chilly 30’s for highs, with lows falling as low as the single digits in some areas. But as the arctic high moves to the south and east and away from Greater Nebraska, a southerly flow should allow temperatures to moderate into the 40’s for the middle to latter part of next week, along with sunshine.
More colder air may be waiting in the wings for next weekend, but right now no truly frigid temperatures are in sight.
Enjoy the weekend!
Mike
Saturday will be a much colder day as an arctic high sinks southeastward into North Dakota and continues to drill colder air into the region, and with lots of clouds and winds that could gust to 25mph, it will feel even colder. There could even be a snow flurry very late in the day, especially over southwestern parts of Greater Nebraska.
But as a disturbance drops southeastward into western Nebraska Saturday night and Sunday, some snow showers could develop, mainly over southwestern areas from about Lexington to North Platte to Oshkosh. There could even be some light accumulations of an inch or so as lows drop into the teens, so some possible slippery conditions might develop so please stay tunes to later forecasts.
The snow showers and flurries could continue into at least the morning hours on Sunday, but skies should remain mostly cloudy with highs only reaching the upper 20 to low 30’s in most areas.
We should see more sunshine early next week, but temperatures will remain mainly in the chilly 30’s for highs, with lows falling as low as the single digits in some areas. But as the arctic high moves to the south and east and away from Greater Nebraska, a southerly flow should allow temperatures to moderate into the 40’s for the middle to latter part of next week, along with sunshine.
More colder air may be waiting in the wings for next weekend, but right now no truly frigid temperatures are in sight.
Enjoy the weekend!
Mike
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Quite Mild On Friday, But Then Much Colder For The Weekend
Highs once again today got into the 40’s north and 50’s southwest, which was higher than I anticipated yesterday when I forecasted 30’s north and 40’s to near 50 southwest. A cold front I had expected to move through the area this morning just did not have enough push to get through Greater Nebraska, and became stalled over northeastern Nebraska instead. But I don’t believe there were many complaints about the milder temperatures.
This evening will be nice for the Courthouse Lighting with partly to mostly cloudy skies and temperatures around 40 at about 6pm, falling into the 30’s this evening, then down into the 20’s during the overnight.
Then Friday will be the mildest day in this string we’ve enjoyed since Wednesday, with highs from the 40’s north to near or over 60 southwest. I am expecting lots of clouds, but if we get more sunshine during the afternoon highs in several areas could approach 60. But that will be the end of the mild weather for a while.
An arctic cold front will cross the region during Friday afternoon from north to south, and this will begin to usher in much colder air that is lurking just to our north over the Dakotas, where highs stayed in the single digits and teens over North Dakota today. The arctic intrusion may be accompanied by a few flurries Friday night and Saturday as lows bottom out in the teens north and 20’s south Friday night, and rise only into the 20’s north and low 30’s south on Saturday.
By Saturday night, the cold will be well entrenched across the area as a strong arctic high drops into the Dakotas, and as an upper disturbance drops southeastward across Greater Nebraska it will likely set off snow showers, and there could be some accumulation during Saturday night and Sunday, so stay tuned to later forecasts for updates, especially if you have travel plans during the weekend. Lows Saturday night will be in the teens and highs Sunday will remain in the 20’s to some low 30’s.
Monday will continue to be cold with perhaps a few flurries as highs struggle to get into the 30’s. Then as the arctic highs begins to shift eastward, temperatures will begin to slowly moderate Tuesday through Thursday, with highs reaching into the 40’s by Thursday. We may see another shot of cold air sometime next weekend, but more on that next week.
So enjoy the mild temperatures Friday, and if you need to do any outside decorating, Friday will be a good day to take care of this since the weekend will be much colder.
Mike
This evening will be nice for the Courthouse Lighting with partly to mostly cloudy skies and temperatures around 40 at about 6pm, falling into the 30’s this evening, then down into the 20’s during the overnight.
Then Friday will be the mildest day in this string we’ve enjoyed since Wednesday, with highs from the 40’s north to near or over 60 southwest. I am expecting lots of clouds, but if we get more sunshine during the afternoon highs in several areas could approach 60. But that will be the end of the mild weather for a while.
An arctic cold front will cross the region during Friday afternoon from north to south, and this will begin to usher in much colder air that is lurking just to our north over the Dakotas, where highs stayed in the single digits and teens over North Dakota today. The arctic intrusion may be accompanied by a few flurries Friday night and Saturday as lows bottom out in the teens north and 20’s south Friday night, and rise only into the 20’s north and low 30’s south on Saturday.
By Saturday night, the cold will be well entrenched across the area as a strong arctic high drops into the Dakotas, and as an upper disturbance drops southeastward across Greater Nebraska it will likely set off snow showers, and there could be some accumulation during Saturday night and Sunday, so stay tuned to later forecasts for updates, especially if you have travel plans during the weekend. Lows Saturday night will be in the teens and highs Sunday will remain in the 20’s to some low 30’s.
Monday will continue to be cold with perhaps a few flurries as highs struggle to get into the 30’s. Then as the arctic highs begins to shift eastward, temperatures will begin to slowly moderate Tuesday through Thursday, with highs reaching into the 40’s by Thursday. We may see another shot of cold air sometime next weekend, but more on that next week.
So enjoy the mild temperatures Friday, and if you need to do any outside decorating, Friday will be a good day to take care of this since the weekend will be much colder.
Mike
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
After A Mild Day Today, Watch For Some Light Wintry Precipitation Overnight
It’s amazing what a downsloping wind off the Rocky Mountains can do to raise temperatures from very cold levels. This morning started out with temperatures as low as -2 in Valentine to the single digits and lower teens elsewhere. However, while northern and eastern parts of the viewing area stayed in the 40’s, southwestern areas made it into the 50’s, with Imperial reaching 55, so much milder than I thought it would be today when I predicted highs in the 40’s everywhere.
A weak disturbance over eastern Montana moving southeast along a front extending from Montana to northeastern Nebraska will reach southeastern Nebraska tomorrow morning and northeastern Missouri tomorrow afternoon. This disturbance will help drag a cold front through Greater Nebraska during tomorrow morning, which will then stall just to our south and west. This disturbance is producing some spotty very light precipitation from South Dakota to northeastern Colorado, and as the disturbance drifts southeastward tonight, it may produce some light showers of rain early tonight, and then a light wintry mix of freezing rain, sleet and snow later tonight as temperatures drop to near 20 under mostly cloudy skies.
With the front to our south tomorrow, highs will be cooler than today reaching only the 30’s north to perhaps 50 southwest under partly sunny skies, so a nice day overall.
Then a stronger disturbance will move from Montana into Wyoming, then into South Dakota by Friday morning, and this will drag the front back northward as a warm front so that Friday should turn out milder again with highs from the 40’s north and east to the 50’s southwest with some sunshine.
But as the disturbance moves into northeastern Nebraska Friday evening, it will drag an arctic front through Greater Nebraska by Friday night. This will help usher in much colder air once again so that highs this weekend stay mainly in the 30’s. In addition, a series of weak upper disturbance will be passing nearby, and each of these may set off some snow showers and flurries anytime from Saturday through Monday, but nothing significant is expected at this time. Highs early next week will remain on the cold side before moderating a bit for the middle of next week.
So watch for the potential for a few slick spots overnight where any precipitation falls, since even very light frozen precipitation can cause roads and sidewalks to become slippery.
Mike
A weak disturbance over eastern Montana moving southeast along a front extending from Montana to northeastern Nebraska will reach southeastern Nebraska tomorrow morning and northeastern Missouri tomorrow afternoon. This disturbance will help drag a cold front through Greater Nebraska during tomorrow morning, which will then stall just to our south and west. This disturbance is producing some spotty very light precipitation from South Dakota to northeastern Colorado, and as the disturbance drifts southeastward tonight, it may produce some light showers of rain early tonight, and then a light wintry mix of freezing rain, sleet and snow later tonight as temperatures drop to near 20 under mostly cloudy skies.
With the front to our south tomorrow, highs will be cooler than today reaching only the 30’s north to perhaps 50 southwest under partly sunny skies, so a nice day overall.
Then a stronger disturbance will move from Montana into Wyoming, then into South Dakota by Friday morning, and this will drag the front back northward as a warm front so that Friday should turn out milder again with highs from the 40’s north and east to the 50’s southwest with some sunshine.
But as the disturbance moves into northeastern Nebraska Friday evening, it will drag an arctic front through Greater Nebraska by Friday night. This will help usher in much colder air once again so that highs this weekend stay mainly in the 30’s. In addition, a series of weak upper disturbance will be passing nearby, and each of these may set off some snow showers and flurries anytime from Saturday through Monday, but nothing significant is expected at this time. Highs early next week will remain on the cold side before moderating a bit for the middle of next week.
So watch for the potential for a few slick spots overnight where any precipitation falls, since even very light frozen precipitation can cause roads and sidewalks to become slippery.
Mike
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