Winter Weather Awareness Day in Nebraska

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – With winter around the corner, we want you to be prepared for what the weather may throw our way.

Thursday marks Winter Weather Awareness Day in Nebraska.

Now is a good time to assess your surroundings and knowledge about winter weather.

WINTER OUTLOOK

Winter months meteorologically span from December through February.

The Climate Prediction Center creates seasonal outlooks for both temperature and precipitation. But these only provide a quick snapshot of the season as a whole – rather than insight on individual storms that may come across our region.

And when you hear El Niño vs. La Niña… does that really have much of an effect on Nebraska, locally?

The short answer – especially looking at this year’s winter outlook – is no.

A weak La Niña pattern is expected to influence more of the southern and far northern areas of the States this winter. Below, the temperature outlook leans more toward above average temperatures for the southern states while parts of the Pacific Northwest have slightly better chances at below average temperatures.

Though for Nebraska, you’ll see we aren’t highlighted. That means there are equal chances to be above, below or near normal for temperatures in the months ahead.

The National Weather Service of Hastings found though, since 1950, weak La Niña winters more often had near to slightly cooler temperatures.

And the precipitation outlook is similar.

The signal isn’t strong one way or another across Nebraska. Yet again, we are not highlighted at all – unlike much of the southern states that are expecting a drier than normal winter. Yet again that means there are equal chances to be above, below or near normal for precipitation for this winter.

And weak La Niña patterns in Nebraska since 1950 have been split between drier- and wetter-than-normal outcomes.

There have been some trends lately in the timing of snow for our area. In recent years, snow has come later into the winter season rather than earlier (more snow in January and February).

WINTER TERMINOLOGY

There are a lot of winter weather alerts issued during the winter months. These products come from our partners at the National Weather Service offices across the state – one in Valley/Omaha, one in Hastings and one in North Platte.

NEW THIS 2024-2025 SEASON: Some winter-related products from the National Weather Service are being consolidated.

A Cold Weather Advisory will be issued when the forecasted wind chill may become life threatening due to exposure over a period of time. An Extreme Cold Warning will be issued when the wind chill or dangerous cold air is forecasted to become life threatening.

And there’s a difference between a watch and warning. A watch means conditions are favorable with the ingredients present for an event to occur. A warning means those ingredients have already come together for an event to be happening now or just about to happen.

To clear up any confusion, here’s a list of the more frequent ones and their meanings:

• Winter Storm Watch: Issued when there is the possibility of significant amounts of snow or ice accumulations within the next 24 to 36 hours of the onset of a winter storm system
• Winter Weather Advisory: Issued to account for a system producing snow, sleet, freezing rain, freezing fog, etc. that does not meet Winter Storm Warning criteria
• Winter Storm Warning: Issued when a storm is producing or expected to produce heavy snow or significant ice accumulations
• Blizzard Warning: A winter storm with sustained winds or frequent gusts of 35 mph or greater and continued blowing or falling snow that reduces visibility to ¼ mile or less for at least three hours
• Snow Squall Warning: Issued when moderate to heavy snowfall and gusty winds impact an area for a short duration, usually under three hours, reducing visibility. Like a “mini blizzard”

There can be actions and/or preparations for each event:

WINTER TERMINOLOGY – WINTER STORM SEVERITY INDEX (WSSI)

Another useful product comes from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Weather Prediction Center called the Winter Storm Severity Index (WSSI).

It shows where impacts to society are expected due to winter weather. An example from a previous year of what this map can look like is below:

There are four main categories of focus to this map: minor, moderate, major and extreme. The limited category is where winter weather can be expected, but with virtually no impact to daily life.

Diving deeper, the main categories are each broken down with descriptions below:

WINTER SAFETY

Overall, the main objective is you and your loved ones’ safety. It’s vital to be prepared for all of the winter elements, including the extreme cold.

Frostbite and hypothermia are more likely through the colder months… thinking about shoveling heavy snow or getting stranded in your car on the side of the road.

To be prepared for the elements, it’s important to build an emergency kit for your vehicle. A similar kit can be made for your home, too, with extra food and an emergency heat source (such as a fireplace, wood stove, space heater, etc.).

Another product that comes in handy as you prepare to travel in winter weather is a map of road conditions.

We will share this on air, especially around commute times, but Nebraska’s 511 maps can also be referenced at any point – and should be referenced before heading out on a bad weather day in Nebraska. An example is shown below:

We’ll be sure to share the latest information on any incoming weather on air or online, but you can also find us on social media for quick updates anytime.

Meteorologist Jessica Blum 
Twitter: JessicaBlumWx 
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