Nebraska expecting above average temperatures leading into Christmas

Anyone feel a shake yesterday afternoon? Maybe more so near Hastings and Red Cloud? There was an actual earthquake recorded in Nebraska Sunday afternoon.

SEE ALSO: Magnitude 4.2 earthquake reported in south-central Nebraska

These are rare for the state but have happened before. The one that occurred on Sunday was a 4.2-magnitude earthquake that most feel indoors typically. Small objects can shift and windows/dishes can rattle. There are some fault lines that run through the area, but some from as far as Bellevue reported feeling this one.

Our earthquake in Nebraska was followed up by a smaller one in far southeast South Dakota, too.

Compared the ground quaking and some blustery winds on Saturday (an eventful weekend), will ease into this week much quieter and warmer. Highs on Monday with more sunshine are expected to be in the lower 50s, over 10 degrees warmer than normal. I’ll argue that Monday will be one of the best days of the week with sunny conditions and light winds.

It’ll take a cold front coming through Monday night to knock temperatures on Tuesday back to around normal. There isn’t much precipitation expected with this front across the state because of (shocker, I know) dry air, but some flurries are possible in northwest Nebraska.

After “cooler” temperatures in the upper 30s and low 40s on Tuesday, we warm right back up. Not as warm as the near-record temperatures of last week, but many 50s show up!

Even looking further into the future, Nebraska has good chances at being above average the week leading into Christmas Eve as well. And really, it’s not just Nebraska. Most of the United States is expected to be in the same boat.

While we’re waiting for some winter reality, dry and warm conditions will prevail.

Meteorologist Jessica Blum 
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