Unseasonably Mild

We were thinking this winter season was going to be a mild one...but not this mild.  As we end the first month of 2012 we have temperatures pushing toward 70 degrees...70 degrees! 

                                     

Of course this warmth can be explained. Generally speaking, we have a zonal flow above us and a persistent southerly wind that's holding temperatures in the 60s.  The cold, arctic air remains bottled up in Canada and Alaska. 

I'm not complaining, but some cold weather fans aren't too happy these days.  Well to those people I'd say cheer up because these mild stretches never last too long during this time of year.

                                 (GFS model showing storms moving in by early Saturday morning)

As we approach Super Bowl weekend we'll see a storm system develop in the Rockies and slide into the Central Plains.  By Saturday morning, a fairly strong cold front will rush through the state causing for widespread rain and thunderstorms.  There is even a hint that these storms could be a little strong.  I wouldn't worry too much about tornadoes but it's something we'll focus on as the day approaches.

                    (Hardly any instability on Saturday morning which suggests a lack of severe weather)

Early next week looks more like winter.  Highs will be in the 40s and 50s plus we'll see sunny intervals.  Sorry, snow lovers. There are no signs of snow for the coming weeks.