After a weekend where we actually hit the 30s both days (Saturday afternoon topped out at 33… although Sunday’s high of 31 occurred just after midnight)… look for bitterly cold weather to start off this next work-week.  And if that wasn’t enough… we’re also being “treated” to slick roadways (and walkways) thanks to a bout of freezing drizzle overnight… and a light coating of fresh snowfall this morning.

UPDATE:  Snowfall totals around the metro were generally between .5″ and 1.5″… with these reports…

• Lincoln: 0.2″
• Little Sioux, IA: 2″
• Omaha (Eppley Airfield): 1″
• Papillion: 0.7″
• Underwood, IA: 1.5″
• Valley (National Weather Service office): 1″

After the wintry precipitation moves out by mid-morning Monday… gusty northwest winds will produce wind chill values (those “feels-like” temperatures) in the -10 to -15 range through the evening.  While the winds will begin to diminish after sunset… clearing skies and a snowcovered ground will enable temps to drop well below zero after midnight… to around -5 by daybreak Tuesday.

Tuesday also looks cold… with highs struggling to reach the teens… but at least we’ll see more sunshine.  Plus… a warming trend will shortly follow as highs will climb back into the 20s on Wednesday and 30s  for the remainder of the work-week.

Looking into the next weekend… a system that could bring us some light snow on Friday will be along another cold front.  That front will knock us back into the 20s for highs next Saturday and Sunday.  Chilly yes… but also giving us a good chance at keeping much of our snowcover and providing Heartland families with a White Christmas.

Chuck McWilliams

Folks in the Heartland were “treated” to the biggest winter storm since (at least) early March 2007.  Heavy snow… with multiple reports of more than a foot of accumulation… combined with strong northwest winds to produce snowdrifts up to 4 feet high and occasional white-out conditions.

For the metro… a Winter Weather Advisory will remain in effect through 4pm Wednesday… due to reduced visibilities (caused by blowing snow) and dangerously low wind chill temperatures (ranging from -10 to -20 for much of the day).  Stronger winds across central Iowa will keep visibilities under a mile into mid-day… so that area (from Denison and Atlantic eastward) will stay under a Blizzard Warning through the afternoon.

Here’s a quick re-cap of some of the snowfall totals in our area:

• Fremont: 10″
• Harlan (Iowa): 11.0″
• Lincoln: 8.2″
• Norfolk: 8.8″
• Omaha (Eppley Airfield): 9.4″
• Tecumseh: 10″
• Valley (National Weather Service): 12.4″
• Wahoo: 8″

Look for the winds to diminish during Wednesday evening and… combined with clearing skies… set us up for our coldest night since January 15th (when we dropped down to -16).  With fresh snowcover… don’t look for us to warm up anytime soon… as our highs will only climb into the upper 20s by Saturday… then drop back into the lower teens early next week.

Chuck McWilliams

So far… our latest snowstorm is unfolding as forecasted… with around an inch or so of accumulation overnight Monday and early Tuesday morning… and slightly heavier amounts south of the Omaha-Council Bluffs metro.  Look for metro snowfall accumulations to generally remain in the 1″-3″ category through late morning.

It still appears that heavier snow will begin to fall by around 2pm… and last into mid-evening… with 5″-7″ of snow possible during that time-frame.  After 10pm… I expect the snow to begin to taper off and pretty much just fall as flurries or light snow by 2am Wednesday.  Unfortunately… strong northwest winds will be kicking in by around midnight.

With winds occasionally gusting to nearly 40mph overnight and early Wednesday… some locations could see near blizzard conditions (especially in open areas) due to blowing snow and severely reduced visibilities.  Also… the winds combined with already cold conditions will result in wind chill values (those “feels-like” temperatures we always talk about in wintertime) dropping to nearly 20 degrees below zero!!

The bottom line… here’s what to expect over the next 24-36 hours…

• Winter Storm Warning in effect through Noon Wednesday
• Blizzard Watch in effect from Tuesday evening through Wednesday morning
• Metro snowfall accumulation expected through 11am: 1″-3″
• Metro snowfall accumulation expected through 4pm: 4″-7″
• Total metro snowfall accumulation expected: 6″-10″
• Blowing snow… reduced visibilities… late Tuesday evening into Wednesday morning
• Dangerously low wind chill temperatures Tuesday night and Wednesday

Chuck McWilliams

We’re getting a big taste of Winter to start off this work-week… and there’s much more on the way.  The first system… which brought snow to the area from late Sunday into early Monday morning… dropped about 1″-3″ of accumulation to the Omaha-Council Bluffs metro.  Here are some of the reports:

• Bellevue: 2.4″
• Bennington: 2.3″
• Boystown: 2.2″
• Fort Calhoun: 1.9″
• Gretna: 2.8″
• Omaha (Eppley Airfield): 1.4″
• Omaha (35th & Charles): 1.7″
• Papillion: 2.2″
• Valley (National Weather Service office): 2.7″

The next system… which will be slower and stronger… will begin to impact the area late Monday evening and last into early Wednesday morning.  Because of the potential for this system to produce heavy snow (along with strong winds)… a Winter Storm Watch is in effect for the entire KETV Channel 7 viewing area from Monday evening into Wednesday morning.

Right now… it looks like we’ll see the next round of snow to start falling just before midnight on Monday evening.  Folks in the metro can expect around 1″-3″ of snow accumulation into Tuesday morning.  The heaviest snow should occur during Tuesday afternoon… and 3″-6″ of additional accumulation are possible during that time.  The snow should taper off the flurries by 3am Wednesday… with an additional 2″-3″ snow accumulation on Tuesday evening.  The bottom line… look for a total snowfall accumulation of around 6″-10″ in the Omaha metro.

It appears that lesser amounts of snow will fall to the southeast of the metro… generally from Red Oak (Iowa) to Nebraska City and southward into northwest Missouri… where 3″-6″ of snow is possible.  This area… however… will have a higher chance of seeing sleet and freezing rain… so road conditions may actually be worse there.

As if the snow wasn’t bad enough… our Tuesday snowstorm will have strong northwest winds wrap around it… bringing gusty and bitterly cold conditions (along with blowing and drifting snow) for Wednesday.  Our highs (yes… I said highs) will struggle to leave the single digits on Wednesday and remain in the teens on Thursday.  Wind chill values (or “feels like” temperatures) will be well below zero on Wednesday… as well.

On the plus side… our weather looks dry from late Wednesday into the next weekend… with temperatures gradually climbing back into the mid to upper 20s by Friday and Saturday.  Of course… our “average” high is in the mid to upper 30s in early December… so we’ll still be unseasonably cold.

Chuck McWilliams

After one of our warmest Novembers on record… which followed one of our coldest Octobers on record… get ready for unseasonably cool weather for most of the next week.  The “average” high and low temperatures for early December are, respectively, in the upper 30s and lower 20s.  With the exception of this coming Saturday… our temps will generally climb only into the  20s and 30s through next Thursday.

Along with the colder weather… we’ll have a few chances of some of the white stuff during the next 7 days.  Periods of flurries and very light snow (no accumulation) are likely this Thursday… with accumulating snow possible late Sunday and again next Tuesday.

The cold weather will extend across most of the eastern 2/3 of the continental United States… and even reach down into the heart of Texas.  That’s significant as many Husker fans will be traveling to Dallas for this weekend’s Big 12 Championship Game featuring Nebraska and Texas.  Both teams can expect temperatures to be in the mid 40s at kickoff… which is scheduled for 7pm Saturday.  Fortunately… Cowboys Stadium is a domed stadium with a retractable roof.

Here’s a look at the extended weekend forecast in Dallas… and a reminder that fans who aren’t making the trip south can catch all of the action on KETV Channel 7.

• Friday: Cloudy with a slight chance of flurries or light snow… highs in the upper 30s.
• Saturday: Mostly sunny and cool… highs near 50.
• Sunday: Mostly cloudy and cool… highs near 50.

One final note… the UNO Mavericks are scheduled to face off Saturday against the West Texas A&M Buffaloes in the first Kanza Bowl at Hummer Sports Park in Topeka, Kansas.  Mavs fans can expect sunny skies and temps in the lower 40s at kickoff… which is scheduled for 1pm.

Chuck McWilliams

After a chilly Sunday… with highs in the mid-40s… our temps will climb back into the mid-50s on Monday and Tuesday this week (similar to the comfortable weather we had back on Friday and Saturday).  Since our “average” high for the end of November is around 40… that’s nearly 15 degrees above normal!!

Folks definitely need to take advantage of the seasonably mild conditions… as a strong cold front will slide across the area on Tuesday evening.  Behind that front… a northwest breeze will usher in much colder weather for the remainder of the work-week… with highs only in the 30s into the next weekend.  Fortunately… the airmass looks dry and we don’t expect any significant precipitation through Sunday.

Speaking of the next weekend… the Huskers (and many of their fans) will be down in Dallas on Saturday for the Dr. Pepper Big 12 Championship Game… featuring Nebraska facing off against the Texas Longhorns.  Right now… the weather looks great for those taking the trip south.  Skies will be mostly sunny in Big “D” from Friday through Sunday… with highs in the mid 50s and lows in the upper 30s each day.  The game… by the way… can be seen on KETV Channel 7… with kickoff scheduled for 7pm Saturday.

Chuck McWilliams

After a mild start to this abbreviated work-week… our weather has taken a considerably cooler turn this Tuesday.  Look for highs to remain in the 40s through Thanksgiving Day.  On the upside… those temperatures are still near (or above) “average” for late November and (after our light rain ends on Tuesday) we should be mostly dry into the next week.

Obviously… this is a big travel week for many Americans … as folks are driving or flying to spend time with their loved ones.  Right now… it looks like most of the country will be spared of any significant bad weather.  The exception will be across the upper midwest… where a storm system could cause flight delays from the Twin Cities to Milwaukee and from Chicago eastward to Detroit.  Lake effect snows are also possible from Cleveland to Buffalo.  The most likely time for weather problems in these areas will be from Wednesday through Friday.

Elsewhere… the weather is looking great in Boulder on Friday… where the Huskers will be taking on the Colorado Buffaloes.  Skies are expected to be sunny with temperatures in the mid 50s at kickoff (2:30pm).  Fans unable to make the journey westward for the game can enjoy all of the action on KETV Channel 7… with a Big Red Zone GameDay pre-game show set to air at 10am.

A few other noteworthy events around town this week:

• The Holiday Lights Festival kicks off on Thursday evening with musical entertainment beginning at 5:30pm.  Omaha Mayor Jim Suttle will be on hand for the Mutual of Omaha Bank Thanksgiving Lighting Ceremony to flip the switch and turn on the lights around 6pm.  The event is free and will be held at 14th and Farnam at the Gene Leahy Mall.  Skies will be partly cloudy… although a northwest breeze will make temps in the upper 30s feel even cooler.
• Down the road… on Friday… the folks at The Durham Museum will be hosting the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony from 4pm until 7pm.  The ceremony will begin the Christmas at Union Station event… which will continue through January 3rd.
• Also on Friday… at Village Point at 168th and West Dodge Road… KETV Newswatch 7 First News Weekend News Anchors Marla Rabe and Adrian Whitsett will be hosting the Holiday Lighting Ceremony.  The event will get started at 6pm with a family concert at the Alegent Health Amphitheatre in center court.  This family friendly evening is free with complimentary hot cider and cookies available… along with free horse and carriage rides.  The hot cider may come in handy… as temps will be in the lower 40s under clear skies.

Chuck McWilliams

Our weather hasn’t been balmy… but it has been fairly mild (considering that we’re in the latter half of November now).  So far this work-week… we’ve seen high temperatures in the upper 40s and lower 50s… which exceeds the “average” high of 46.  Look for a gradual warming trend into the upcoming weekend… however… with our highs climbing into the upper 50s by Saturday.

Outside of occasional clouds and patchy morning fog… we’ll get back into the sunshine by late Thursday… with our next chance of rain arriving on Sunday.  For folks making travel plans for next Thursday… you know… Thanksgiving Day… no major weather problems are anticipated at this time.  Rain (possibly mixed with light snow) will be possible next Tuesday and Wednesday… but it doesn’t appear to be a significant weather system.  And while temperatures will be on the cool side… with highs in the lower 40s… that’s still not as bad as it could be.

Okay… let’s talk a little football… specifically concerning this weekend’s big games:

• Minnesota @ Iowa: Mostly cloudy at kickoff (11am) with temps in the lower 40s.
• Iowa State @ Missouri: Partly cloudy at kickoff (1pm) with temps in the mid 50s.
• Kansas State @ Nebraska: Mostly cloudy at kickoff (6:45pm) with temps in the lower 50s.
• Pittsburgh Steelers @ Kansas City Chiefs: Mostly cloudy at kickoff (Noon-Sunday) with temps around 50.

Chuck McWilliams

A Winter Weather Advisory will remain in effect south of Omaha through 6am Tuesday… but most of the metro will see little more than a few sprinkles or light rain.  The accumulation will generally be from Nebraska City southward… where less than 2 inches of snow will fall (generally on the grassy areas)… but more than 6 inches is likely toward the Nebraska-Kansas border.  The heaviest snow will be in a band from Fairbury eastward through Beatrice, Pawnee City, and Falls City.

The storm system responsible for the wintry precipitation will hang around the midwest through mid-week… meaning limited sunshine for the metro through Thursday.  As for temperatures… look for highs in the lower 40s to start the week… climbing into the 50s as we approach the next weekend.

Chuck McWilliams

Well, we’ve definitely been spoiled- but it’s going to look a lot more like November for this coming week.  High temperatures mainly in the mid-upper 40s and lows back near freezing. 

And we’re keeping a close eye on a closed upper-level low pressure system currently developing near Colorado.  A winter storm warning has already been posted for Denver, where they could easily pick up 6-12″ of the white stuff.  If you’re traveling toward Denver, especially along I-70 for the beginning of the week, you’ll want to take a look at the roads before you head that way.  A winter storm watch is in effect from Sunday evening until Monday evening for central Kansas, meaning travel could be a little dicey.

As far as things go for us, we may see some showers in southern portions of the region by Sunday afternoon and into Monday.  And the farther south (and closer to the low) you go, the more likely some of this rain could be mixed with some flakes.  We’ll keep an especially close eye on this storm system Monday through Wednesday.  Depending on the storm track, we will need to watch for where the rain may switch to snow.  Right now it looks like south of I-80- but we’ll need to watch both the track and timing of the storm system.  We’ll have a much better clue by tomorrow and Monday.

But hey, it’s perfect weather for chili.  I’ve added my favorite recipe to the bottom of this- It’s won me a chili cookoff before.  And my brother won 2nd place with it too.  I may have to stock up on the ingredients for it this week too!

Southwest Chili
You will need:

1 can chili beans
1 can red kidney beans
1 can corn
1 can stewed tomatoes- you can usually find a mexican variety
1 packet ranch dressing mix- in the dressing aisle (hidden valley)
1 packet chili seasoning- in the spices aisle, I usually get a medium
1 can Ro-Tel tomatoes/chilis-

 1 package of ground beef and chopped onion- about half a medium onion. 

Brown the meat and drain fat if necessary.  Cook the onion with the meat.  Add chili seasoning directly onto the meat.

Don’t drain the beans or tomatoes.  Put them all in the pot.  Drain
the corn.  Put it in the pot.  Add the ranch dressing mix and the
browned meat.  Simmer on a low/medium setting.   After it starts to
boil definitely turn it down to a low setting.

Serve with cheese, tortilla chips, and sour cream.

Let me know if you try it!

Melissa Hoeman