Early in 2018, we had the winter that would never end. About a week later, it seemed like summer had begun. Now, as we enter the official start of summer, it feels like fall. Mother Nature is clearly confused! I guess winter is up next, but before we get to that, let's talk about our cool start to summer.
The summer solstice happened at 5:07 am Thursday, June 21st in the central time zone. The solstice occurs when the sun's direct rays reach their furthest point north over the northern hemisphere before retreating back south.
This brings us our longest day of the year. Yes, the day is still 24 hours, but it has the longest amount of daylight hours. In Omaha, sunrise was at 5:51 am and the sun did not set until more than 15 hours later, at 9:00 pm. Our days will now slowly get shorter until we reach the first day of fall, with equals parts of light and dark hours.
Our afternoon high temperatures at Omaha's Eppley Airfield was only 77 degrees, well below the average high of 85 degrees for the first day of summer. The previous day was a touch cooler, at 76.
This was by far the coolest weather we had seen in a month. Before this week, Omaha hadn't seen a high of 77 since May 21st. We then rapidly warmed up with Omaha hitting the 90s for a total of 17 days and the 100s for two days... making it feel like the middle of summer before summer even started.
Now that it feels like fall, you might be afraid winter will start in another month. Don't worry, the Climate Prediction Center (CPC) DOES NOT see that happening!
In its latest outlook for July, August, and September, the CPC shows parts of Nebraska and Iowa having a slight chance for above average temperatures this summer. As always, there will be ups and downs all summer, but overall, we could come out slightly above average... but no threat of winter starting any time soon.
As for rain, the CPC gives us an equal chance of seeing above average rain and below average rain, so we could come out near average.
As usual, Mother Nature will do what she wants, so tighten your seat belt and enjoy the ride!
