High Plains Climate Center a Hub of Weather Data for 30 Years

December 11, 2017

The High Plains Regional Climate Center quietly turned 30 this year, while it continued to collect and make available a host of climate data, organized and taught numerous climate training workshops and answered hundreds of consumer calls.

The center didn’t pause to celebrate.

Read more

December 5, 2017 Drought Monitor for Nebraska

Dry November Conditions Lead to Major Shift in Drought Monitor

December 7, 2017
After a drier and warmer than normal November, the Drought Monitor showed a marked increase in how much of Nebraska was dry, increasing the "abnormally dry" area from 9% to 61% this week.

Read more

Summer precipitation patterns

Nebraska Entering a Dry Phase for Next 6-7 Years

December 5, 2017
A closer look at wet and dry periods for the last 120 years in Nebraska indicates the state is entering a dry phase expected to continue for the next six to seven years. While there may be wetter "exception" years during this period, the general trend is for drier than normal precipitation during this period.

Read more

Frost-damaged corn
Figure 1. Buggy-whipping, shown hear in the two plants on the left, is when dead leaf tissue traps new leaf tissue, is one symptom of frost-damaged early season corn. (Archive photo by Roger Elmore)

Risk of Freeze Damage in Early-Planted, Emerged Corn

April 28, 2017
Early-season freeze damage results in a range of potential yield impacts. Severe damage is often limited to low-lying areas within a field because cool air is heavier than warm air. Early season survival of corn plants is attributed to growing-point protection below the soil surface; however, a hard frost can penetrate the ground and kill plants. Regrowth of corn following freeze damage is often impeded by dead leaf tissue that can entrap new leaves.

Read more

Nebraska map showing median dates for 30 F freeze in spring
Figure 1. Median date of last 30°F temperature in spring. (Source: Nebraska State Climate Office)

Nebraska Springs Trending to Warmer and Wetter Conditions

April 14, 2017
Nebraska climatologists discuss changing conditions in the state, identifying a trend toward slightly warmer and wetter springs. Three maps show median and early and last freeze dates across the state.

Read more

saturated corn field

Potential Impact on Crops from Changes in Spring Climate Trends

April 7, 2017
A shift toward warmer and wetter springs may create opportunities and also challenges for Nebraska farmers. The change may alter the timing of many agricultural processes, management decisions, pest pressures as well as growing season length. This article outlines potential impacts and their effects in a number of these areas.

Read more

Screen capture of Elwynn Taylor on using climate data to manage production risk

UNL & ISU Climatologists on Using Climate Data to Manage Risk

March 31, 2017
View presentations from ag climatologists from Nebraska and Iowa on how weather and climate influence crops and how growers can access and use climate trends to make informed risk management decisions.

Read more

October 2016 US map with the temperature forecast
October 2016 US map with the temperature forecast

Above Normal Temps, Precipitation Forecast for Nebraska

September 23, 2016
Above normal temperatures and precipitation are forecast for October for Nebraska. A longer lead outlook indicates the potential for late winter rains that could hamper spring field operations.

Read more