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February 2019 Climate Summary Now Available
Author: Crystal Stiles - High Plains Regional Climate Center
Published: 2019-03-07 16:43:59
Updated:
Cold and Snowy
February was cold and snowy across portions of the High Plains, causing many locations to be ranked in the top 10 coldest and snowiest Februaries on record. Dickinson, North Dakota and Rapid City, South Dakota had their coldest Februaries on record, while Fargo, North Dakota, Grand Forks, North Dakota, and Omaha, Nebraska had their snowiest. This cold end to the winter did not result in very many records for coldest winter, however, because the beginning of winter was quite warm. On the other hand, numerous locations experienced a wet and/or snowy winter, as storm systems crossed the region quite often and brought periodic snowfall. In addition to February, Omaha also had its snowiest winter on record. Several locations are on track to have their snowiest season (July-June) on record, such as Lincoln, Nebraska, which had already had its 2nd snowiest season as of the end of February and only had 5.1 inches (13 cm) to go to tie the record.
These recent conditions have caused several impacts around the region. On a positive note, mountain snowpack in Wyoming and Colorado has been plentiful thus far this season, and it has helped ease drought conditions in these areas. However, it is yet to be determined how spring runoff may impact low streamflows. The abundant snowpack in the Plains has raised concerns for spring flooding, especially due to the high water content of the snowpack. Furthermore, the frequent snowfall and need for clearing roads caused a shortage of snow removal supplies in some urban areas. The extreme cold conditions have caused some issues for the energy industry, as wind turbines were shut down and energy demand for heating buildings was especially high. Recent conditions have brought about concerns for agriculture as well. As calving season is getting into full swing, livestock producers are concerned about losing calves in harsh conditions. Frost depths are particularly deep in portions of the Dakotas, which is likely to delay planting in these areas, especially of spring wheat. In Kansas, late-planted winter wheat may be at risk, as prolonged cold and snowy/wet conditions will promote little growth of the crop and delay the application of fertilizer.
For more information on temperature, precipitation, and impacts from climate in February in the High Plains region, please see the link to the full PDF of the summary: https://hprcc.unl.edu/climatesummaries.php
