January Starts Warm, Arctic Cold Lurks Over Alaska

 Last year ended as the 5th warmest on record dating back to 1946 at MSY.  Part of that was due to the  lack of Gulf Hurricanes resulting in reduced rainfall amounts over the summer.  2026 is continuing that above normal trend, at least for the first 10 days of January.  Computer guidance indicates a much colder 2nd half of this month.  But for now, the bitter Arctic cold over Alaska is blocked from coming into the lower 48.

Some locations are near 60 below zero at midday!  A upper trough along the West Coast with a ridge over the Rockies and Plains has resulted in a January thaw for much of our nation.

Until this upper pattern shifts back to an East coast trough, we'll flirt with record warmth this week.

When Denver is near 70 in January, you know something is wrong.  Even Chicago is above freezing.

With the sun angle still quite low in the sky, it's hard to break away the low cloud deck.  This week daily fog issues will return especially after Tuesday.

Since Captain Hylton and I haven't been fishing since late May, we may try to go out Monday PM & Tuesday.  I might not post again until Wednesday.  Finally, did you see the article on Hurricane models?

My concern is our local weathercaster's will be "married to the models" and not point out their experiences with past storms.  Remember you always wanted to know "yeah, but what does Nash think"?  Or after Nash retired, "What does Bob think"?  I'll be here to let you know for the 2026 season.  In addition, my podcast will give you additional insight along with interviews with local personalities.  You can subscribe at bobbreck.com.  Next podcast will be on the Polar Vortex.  Stay tuned!

Welcome A New Happy Year, January Begins Warm, Alaska Cold Lurks

I hope all of you stayed safe & enjoyed welcoming in 2026.  Most of 2025 was a horrible year for me, but the last 2 1/2 months have been terrific, meeting my new partne,r Valerie Adams, and her many fun friends.  Two such friends are Mindy & Ward, who share what Valerie & I have found, love in late life.  All my friends notice that Bob has the bounce in his step back.  Can you see it?

Ward is a terrific saxophone player who plays with many local groups, including the Wise Guys.

Valerie looked stunning, bringing the smile back to the little fella.  I asked/prayed to our Creator to bring me a special person, and Valerie is so much more.  I told her I need more storage area in Copeland Tower, and she bought me and put together this wonderful piece of furniture

It fits perfectly below my TV in my living room, PLUS she's a great cook!  I am so blessed! Weatherwise, many of you are thinking will we ever get cold again?  the answer is YES!  Just look to Alaska, where the temps remain 40-50 below zero.

As a general rule of thumb, it'll take 10-14 days for that Arctic air to get to us IF we get the eastern upper trough to deepen down to the Gulf coast.  That's not the case right now.

The real cold is coming down over the Great Lakes & Northeast, but the upper flow becomes more zonal (west to east) over us.  That weak upper low over Arkansas will bring us a weak front for Saturday PM into Sunday.

The real Arctic cold is well north of the front, and our cool down will not be drastic.

Clearing skies are not too far away, but until the front arrives on Saturday, we'll stay muggy with some clouds & a slight shower threat.

I love to see us 70+ in January, and the next week should continue the well-above-normal/average trend.

Next week might even flirt with 80, continuing the above-average/normal trend that made last year the 5th warmest on record.

Just remember, last year's snow didn't happen until January 23rd.  I see a real cool down coming after January 15th, so snow geeks, keep the faith!  Stay tuned!