Mild weather may stay in early winter
Mother Nature’s Christmas gift to us may have been mild temperatures and quiet travel weather for the week of Christmas.
December was not without its cold though.
The first week of December was especially cold across parts of the Plains. Northwest Nebraska marked temperatures dipping below zero as we kicked off the month. Although the cold air didn’t seem as prominent, some cold days were mixed in between warmth that set records in some spots. Some of those records included 76 degrees Fahrenheit in Hill City, Kansas, and 74 degrees in Russell, Kansas, on Dec. 10. Just a day later, Dalhart, Texas, marked a rare 80-degree December day when temperatures hit 81 degrees. This was the first time since 1970 that location has hit at least 80 degrees in December.
In the worldwide view, La Niña has been ongoing with oceanic and atmospheric conditions reflecting that, but as we enter 2026 a transition to ENSO-neutral is forecast. This is expected to occur in the late winter or early spring time frame.
As we look forward to temperatures, much of Texas is forecast to see temperatures above average for January.
Western to central Texas are also expected to see below-normal precipitation for January.
Looking into 2026, southern to western Texas is expected to see below-average precipitation through March.
During that same time, all of Texas, the panhandle of Oklahoma and southwest Kansas will likely see temperatures average above normal.
The long-term drought outlook follows the expected long-term precipitation trends as more of southern to western Texas is expected to see drought conditions develop the next three months. During that same time, portions of southern Oklahoma and eastern Kansas are expected to see drought conditions persist.
I’m always keeping an eye to the sky (and the weather patterns), so watch for next month’s update.
Editor’s note: Regina Bird grew up on a farm near Belleville, Kansas. The views from the farm helped spur her interest in weather. Following high school, she went on to get a bachelor’s degree in meteorology from the University of Kansas. She worked as a television meteorologist for nine years in Nebraska. Follow her on Twitter: @ReginaBirdWX.
