While known among locals for crazy weather patterns and “fool’s winter,” the weather in Nebraska has been extra odd recently.
Persisting drought conditions and high winds left large portions of the state in fire-related weather advisories the week of Feb. 16. For the first time since 2015, an extreme fire risk was issued in parts of the state, namely the panhandle and southwest Nebraska.
On Feb. 17, near-record temperatures ranged from the upper 60s into the 70s, according to North Platte meteorologist Caleb Brown. For Western Nebraska, this has been one of the warmest and driest winters on record. And it’s not over yet.
Eastern Nebraska was buried in snow in the later half of the week. The National Weather Service reported Omaha received around 8-9 inches of snow, more than they’ve received this whole winter. Snow began falling Thursday evening, with Friday classes being cancelled for Doane students at 9:44 p.m, providing a relaxing three-day weekend for students ahead of midterms.
Despite a chilly weekend, temperatures are expected to climb back into the 50s and 60s later this week. Nebraska Public Media reports the average temperature for this time of year is the low 40s.
Nebraska isn’t the only state experiencing unusual weather. Australia and central Africa have both experienced unprecedented record-shattering heat waves. Meanwhile, the eastern United States was hit by a winter storm beginning on Feb. 22. Governors in multiple states declared a state of emergency.
“This is the thing we’ve talked about with climate change,” Meteorologist Judson Jones told The New York Times, “The extremes are going to be more extreme.”
High temperatures and low snowpack could mean less water for Nebraska, with 59.4% of the state already in a drought. Less snow this winter means less water for rivers such as the Platte. However, March and April are often the snowier months for the eastern Rockies, so there is still time.
Currently, it’s too early to see how the rest of the season will turn out.
