Mild weather helps calving season, but winter to return
By Robert Pore, The Grand Island Independent
Preliminary National Weather Service data show January to be well above normal temperature-wise and below normal precipitation-wise.
But February will begin with a winter storm, bringing strong winds and a chance of 6 inches of snow.
January's above-normal temperatures were a good start for calving season, but conditions have been dry and susceptible to wildfires on those windy, low-humidity days.
January's above-normal temperatures were a good start for calving season, but conditions have been dry and susceptible to wildfires on those windy, low-humidity days.
Temperatures averaged well above normal while precipitation was well below normal across most of the state, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Agricultural Statistics Service, Nebraska Field Office.
Preliminary National Weather Service data for Grand Island for Jan. 1 through 30 show the average daily temperature (the average of the daytime high and nighttime low) was 31.9 degrees. That's 6.7 degrees above the 30-year average.
Preliminary National Weather Service data for Grand Island for Jan. 1 through 30 show the average daily temperature (the average of the daytime high and nighttime low) was 31.9 degrees. That's 6.7 degrees above the 30-year average.
Grand Island, Kearney and Hastings all set record high temperatures on Monday. In Grand Island, the thermometer hit 69 degrees, breaking the previous record of 64 degrees set in 1931.
The all-time warmest January temperature on record was 76 degrees on Jan. 10, 1990.
Hastings had a record high of 69 degrees, and Kearney had a record high of 68 degrees. Other area highs for Monday include Aurora, 70; Loup City and Ravenna, 69; and Ord, Greeley and Osceola, 68.
While January is typically one of the driest months, precipitation for the first 30 days of the month was below normal. As of Jan. 30, Grand Island had received 0.16 of an inch of precipitation. That's 0.35 of an inch below normal.
Above-normal temperatures, below-average precipitation and lack of snow cover have created short to very short topsoil moisture supplies across two-thirds of the state, according to the USDA. The USDA reported that temperatures averaged 10 or more degrees above normal during the first half of the month.
While wheat planting was down last fall, the USDA reported that wheat conditions continued well above year-ago levels but declined during the month due to warm, dry conditions and lack of snow cover. Wheat conditions statewide rated 0 percent very poor, 3 percent poor, 32 percent fair, 61 percent good and 4 percent excellent, well above last year.
Cattle are in good condition, with the first calves of the season being born. Cattle have had access to stalk fields, limiting the need for supplemental feeding.
While temperatures have been mild and precipitation minimal, it is still winter, and the forecast is reflecting a change toward the end of the week.
The weather service reported Tuesday that a potent winter storm is forecast to impact south Central Nebraska late Thursday through Saturday night. Precipitation will be mainly in the form of rain as the storm begins, but will change to either rain or snow mix. Any snow accumulation likely to be west of a line from Greeley to Kearney to Beaver City.
By Friday night into Saturday, temperatures will fall, and snow is expected to cover most of the forecasting area.
The weather service is forecasting more than 6 inches of snow, especially for locations northwest from Hebron to Natoma in Kansas. Winds from the northeast by Friday afternoon will be 20 to 25 mph, with gusts to around 35 mph, causing significant visibility restrictions.
The weather service is forecasting more than 6 inches of snow, especially for locations northwest from Hebron to Natoma in Kansas. Winds from the northeast by Friday afternoon will be 20 to 25 mph, with gusts to around 35 mph, causing significant visibility restrictions.
For Grand Island, there is a 70 percent chance of precipitation on Friday, with a high of near 37. Friday night's low will be around 26, with areas of blowing snow and a 50 percent chance of precipitation.
There will be a chance of snow on Saturday, with a high in the mid-30s. Chance of precipitation is 40 percent. On Saturday night, there will be a 20 percent chance of snow and it will remain blustery, with a low around 22.
Skies will begin clearing Sunday, with seasonal highs around 38 Sunday and Monday.
Skies will begin clearing Sunday, with seasonal highs around 38 Sunday and Monday.
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