By Kyler Johnson/ GG Editor-in-Chief

This winter has been very mild in terms of temperatures and lack of snowfall. That trend is likely to continue through March, but that doesn’t mean winter is completely over yet.

Lincoln has seen snow clear into May before, so don’t go hanging up your winter coats or boxing up your scarves and gloves.

On Groundhog Day, Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow, meaning he’s calling for six more weeks of winter. Nebraska’s own groundhog, Unadilla Bill, did not see his shadow, meaning there could be an early spring. While groundhogs don’t have any forecasting skills, it’s still fun to watch them make their predictions. 

The Climate Prediction Center is forecasting a high probability of above average temperatures for about the next month across much of the continental United States. The past couple days, highs have been in the mid to upper 40s, but starting Saturday, it looks like the temperatures will head back into the 60s and 70s, which is way above the average, but the wind will also pick up too.

This warmer weather has been praised by many. Abby Waggoner (11) said, “I’ve really been enjoying the warm weather, but it’s just kind of unusual because it’s still winter.”

Ryan Lampe (11) said, “This week has been great, because I can finally run outside in shorts and a t-shirt again. It felt amazing to be running on the trails by Havelock with the sun shining.”

There is still a while to go before it will really start to feel like spring.

On Sunday, March 12 clocks will move forward one hour, meaning the sun will set at around 7:30 p.m. making the days feel longer.

Also, Lincoln doesn’t typically see it’s the last freeze until late April.