We’ve been talking about this possible change all week. A strong cold arriving by Sunday will keep temperatures around 40 degrees, which is more than 20 degrees below average for this time of the year.
Weather models are now in better agreement that behind the system there will be enough moisture to provide a rain/snow mix. Temperatures Sunday are expected to stay just above freezing, but enough cold air aloft will allow the rain to mix with snow. While the snow totals will be on the light side and mainly stick to grassy areas, we could see a half an inch. Totals will be a bit higher south of I 80 and range between 1 to 2 inches.
The warmer air Saturday will prevent a lot of accumulation on Sunday. Melting will take place as the snow falls, so the accumulation won’t last long. Snow this time of year is slightly ahead of schedule, and the average first snow is mid- November.
The one thing that will be right on schedule is our first freeze. By Monday morning, lows will drop below 32 degrees across a large portion of eastern Nebraska and western Iowa. The average date of Omaha’s first freeze is October 16.
Thanks for checking out our latest weather blog and continue to stay with 3 News Now for the latest updates on our changing weather conditions throughout the weekend.
