After this weekend’s bitter cold, temperatures this afternoon have become milder, and the weather this week will be rather tranquil with some sunshine and highs generally in the 30’s to near 40, and lows near zero early then in the teens later in the week. But a bitter blast with snow appears to be looming for later in the weekend through next week, so this week will be a good time to put away any outside holiday decorations before that occurs.
In general, high pressure will dominate the weather across Greater Nebraska this week, as a couple clipper-type systems move southeastward out of Canada and toward the Great Lakes, pushing weak back-door fronts through the region. The first of these fronts will come through tonight, with mostly clear skies and lows dropping to near zero. The air-mass behind this front will probably keep highs Tuesday a couple of degrees colder than today, but highs with sunshine should still rise to near freezing. However, watch for icy spots tomorrow morning, and the next several mornings as melting of any snow will occur during the day, but then refreeze at night.
Wednesday through Friday, skies will be mostly sunny during the day with highs in the 30’s to perhaps lower 40’s, and lows in the single digits rising to the teens late week with a few clouds at night.
By Saturday, an upper-level low that will be sitting off the California Coast all this week will begin to move eastward. At the same time, another upper-low will drop into the Rockies. The Rockies low will continue to drop southward, and by Sunday should be located over the southern Rockies and Plains. As this system drops south, it will pull bitterly cold arctic air with it that will begin to invade the area during Sunday. In addition, a surface low should develop somewhere from the Front Range to the Southern Plains and then begin to move eastward to our south. As this system evolves, an accumulating snow is possible across Greater Nebraska, possibly beginning as early as Saturday evening, but mainly Sunday into the day on Monday. Also, the cold will rival, and possibly exceed the cold that we just experienced late last week and this weekend, except this cold blast looks to be a long lasting one, perhaps one that will last through all of next week and beyond.
So stay tuned to News 2 all week long for the latest on this new blast of winter.
Mike
Monday, January 3, 2011
Friday, December 31, 2010
Winter Storm Ending, But Bitter Cold Remains
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
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
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
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