Don't blame that famous groundhog for a cold front expected to push into at least the northern portions of eastern Nebraska on Monday and gradually work southward into Omaha.
"We have colder air on the way Monday, bringing temperatures down by 10 degrees or so," Dirk Petersen, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Valley, said Sunday. "The high Monday (in Omaha) will be right around 44 degrees."
Petersen said the forecast "does not include" any consideration for the weather predicting abilities of Punxsutawney Phil, the Pennsylvania groundhog who allegedly saw his shadow Sunday. According to legend, when Phil sees his shadow on Feb. 2, another six weeks of winter will follow.
An analysis by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration found that, over the past 20 years, Phil was right just 35% of the time. This year, the NOAA decided to contrast Phil's accuracy against 18 competing groundhogs, including stuffed animals and even a turtle. Phil came in third to last.
Shadow or no, the meteorological spring officially begins on March 1. The astronomical spring begins on the equinox at 4:01 a.m. CST on March 20, coincidentally about six weeks hence.
Much cooler air is expected in the area Tuesday when Petersen predicted a high of 34 degrees in Omaha. That aligns with the typical high temperature of 35 and low of 16 at this time of year.
"We will be hanging around that same (high) number (34) for most of the week," Petersen said. "On Wednesday, it looks like in the morning, we could see a little bit of drizzle that could create some slick spots but not anything too heavy."
Chances for light snow possibly clipping northeast Nebraska and west-central Iowa are in the range of 15% to 30% across most of the area Wednesday morning. Thursday, however, looks dry with temperatures topping out in the 30s once again.
"Friday, Saturday and Sunday look as if they will have highs around 40 (degrees)," Petersen said. "It appears this week will be a dreary situation."
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