Unseasonably warm temps encourage outdoor activities during typically cold month of December and January

BY BECKY UEHLING

GRANT TRIBUNE Correspondent

A trip to Lake McConaughy isn’t normally something children do during their Christmas break, but because of the unseasonably warm weather that is exactly what the Johnson family of rural Grant did this year.

“The kids missed the snow as it doesn’t feel like Christmas without out,” said Jill Johnson, mom of Natalie, Russell and Hayden. “They would rather be sledding this time of year. However, we will never pass up a chance to spend the day at the lake, even in January!”

According to the National Weather Service in North Platte, temps in the Perkins and Chase County areas over Christmas were running 15–25 degrees above normal, which is typically near 40°F this time of year, said Meteorologist Caleb Brown.

“We are seeing this is due to a high-pressure ridge blocking arctic air. In fact, southwest Nebraska has set or tied daily record highs eight times since November 1, 2025,” Brown said.

Along with the high temps, moisture is also lacking in the area. Brown said Perkins and Chase counties are currently sitting in Abnormally Dry status according to the U.S. Drought Monitor, while parts of the Panhandle and Northeast Nebraska sitting in Moderate to Severe Drought.

“We aren’t in severe drought yet, but the La Niña pattern we are in typically favors drier-than-average winters for our region, so improvement will likely be difficult before spring,” Brown said.

Brown said the pattern is set to briefly shift, however, as the service is tracking a disturbance likely to arrive the night of Thursday, Jan. 8 into Friday, Jan. 9, which will knock temperatures back down to seasonal norms and bring a chance for moisture, he said.

“Potentially starting as a mix and turning to light snow,” Brown said. “However, this looks to only bring light moisture amounts at best. Signs then point to a return of this more mild and dry pattern by early next week.” 

Because of the high temps, low moisture, and dry vegetation, conditions are perfect for elevated fire danger.

“This is a critical safety reminder for all during these ‘nice’ winter days,” Brown said.