“If you don't like the weather, wait a minute” Unknown
“Climate is what we expect, weather is what we get.” Mark Twain
What a beautiful day this first day of 2013 was for those in Omaha and the surrounding neighborhoods. Even though temperatures were brisk the scenery was gorgeous with the bright sunshine and sparkling white snow. We Nebraskans wonder what predictably unpredictable weather awaits us this year.
The entire year had above average temperatures on many days. We actually started setting records when spring arrived. In March a record high was set with a temperature of 83 degrees in Lincoln, Nebraska. This topped the previous March record of 80 degrees set in 2007.
Nebraska is known for having one of the hottest and most humid summer climates in the United States. In 2012 we had the driest summer on record; also, it was considered one of the most unbearable and destructible summers, riveling the years 1934 through 1936. These years were in the dust bowl era. By June record highs were being set from Nebraska to Washington DC. A total of over 1,000 monthly high temperature averages were set; as well as 350 all-time highs. The week of June 22nd through the 30th recorded over fifty record breaking temperatures. Excessive heat warnings were in effect for Nebraskans through most of July and a part of August. Game and Parks Officials were reporting deceased catfish, carp, and other species of fish by the hundreds. The extreme heat and lack of precipitation led to one of the most widespread droughts in US history.
Yes, it was a dreadfully hot, dry summer. We are okay though. Here in Nebraska community members really know how to support each other in a crisis.
Taking us right up to December of 2012 we were still breaking old record high temperatures. On Sunday December 2nd we reached a record high temperature of 68 degrees. Then on December 20th we had our first real snow. In fact, we had a blustery winter storm! The storm closed down businesses, schools, and church events. Hmmm, a repeat of December 2011's unusually warm temps that were followed by that year's big winter storm. As with any winter storm the Nebraska Department of Roads did a great job on the main highways and streets by having the sand and salt trucks out the night before the storm.
Omaha Public Power District reported nearly 41,000 customers without power mainly due to power lines downed by the extremely high winds. Most people had their power restored within forty-eight hours. Wow, Nebraskans are really on top of things when Mother Nature throws her punches!
Well, there you go. That is the ‘hot and cold’ of it for 2012. May we enjoy an awesome change of seasons for 2013 here in Nebraska!
http://www.weather.com/outlook/weatherbystate/nebraska
http://www.netstate.com/states/symb/song/ne_beautiful_ne.htm
