Warmer, but Winter is not Over Yet.

For the first time this month, temperatures have climbed above normal for a daytime high temperature. In fact, we have been below freezing during the day more times than above freezing so far this month. But, that is all changing as warmer weather has finally arrived and that will be the general rule throughout this forecast cycle. In fact, temperatures will be warmer than normal each day for the coming week and for the most part our nights will also be much milder. By the way, the normal diurnal temperature range at this time of year is 53/31 for the high/low respectively.

Today's sunny skies and SW winds will give way to increasing cloud cover for the overnight hours and a cloudy start to the day Friday. There will also be a chance for some light showers early Friday morning as a disturbance and associated weak cool front pushes through the state. Any precipitation will be very light though and temperatures are expected to stay above freezing so negative impacts are not anticipated.

A stronger northerly wind for most of the day, cloudy skies in the morning and the presence of some snow still on the ground in KS will slow down the warm-up on Friday. Notice the snow cover map on the right. However, skies should be clearing during the day so the afternoon sunshine should still result in above normal temperatures.

A quick return to a S/SW wind on Saturday and lots of sunshine should produce the warmest day so far this month with afternoon highs well into the 60s after starting the day just below freezing. A possible increase in cloud cover later Sunday and a more E to SE wind will moderate temperatures somewhat, but daytime highs are still expected to be in the 60s.

Another boundary will be arriving Monday shifting our winds back to a northerly direction but temperatures should still be in the 60s. Also, there will be a slight chance of a few showers, mainly in the more eastern counties along with clearing skies during the day. Southerly winds return for Tue and Wed resulting in even warmer days and milder nights. By later Wed and into the day Thu, the southerly winds will result in more cloud cover and potentially a few showers.

Notice, our rain chances are on the slim side throughout this forecast cycle and what little does fall should be light. That is evident on the 7 day QPF map on the right.

By the way, don't get too used to this milder pattern that will persist for the next week or so. After all, this is still February going into early March which is when we can get our heaviest snows. Don't see that happening just yet, but notice the 8-14 day graphics also on the right. Obviously, we are not through with colder, unsettled weather just yet.

So, stay tuned and check back for updates.

Dick Faurot