Comet watch continues - Arctic air warning

Maybe you heard about the comet that's visible for the first time in 50,000 years (we had it on the air about 3 weeks ago), but viewing is slightly better now that it's a little higher in the night sky. This is comet ZTF, and you want to be looking to the north and probably best if you can find the Big and Little Dippers to start. Now in late January, the comet will be cutting right between the two, and maybe just slightly closer to the Little Dipper. 

It is suggested that viewing improves with binoculars, but you'll still be able to spot it with the naked eye (if you can get away from the city light pollution, it will be easier). The forecast is less favorable for viewing (with some clouds) over the weekend, and then of course there's the very cold air that won't make it so enjoyable to go out comet-watching. You might take advantage of Thursday and Friday nights (although it remains visible even into early February)

Those that enjoy finding the planets should know that Venus and Saturn are still having a very close conjunction in the evening sky. They are only about 1/2° apart, so it might look like one big planet. 

Arctic Air Warning: through our final days of January and early February. There's no stopping it now as it begins its trek to the south and blankets much of the country by early next week. This is something that will be around for many days, so you might want to prepare for at least 5 or 6 days of sub-freezing weather. Given that we still have a tremendous amount of snow cover, the chances of this air warming up at all as it moves is slim to none. This will be a much longer cold snap than anything we've seen this winter. 

Take note of how much snow is on the ground between Kansas and the Canadian border:

That area north of Kansas that is snow-covered will likely have sub-zero temperatures for awhile late weekend and early next week. Note how it even drops into NW Kansas too.

Chances of a winter storm to wrap up January??

At this time, we will not have a big storm for the final days of January and early February. There is a system that will come from California early in the week, but the main track of it will be south of Kansas. There could (and probably will be) some decent ice forming across Oklahoma into Arkansas and southern Missouri. South central and southeast Kansas may get some sleet or very light snow, but concerns of a major ice storm are NOT there for Kansas. 

Much of the week will likely have high temperatures that stay below 32°. Look at the map for Thursday (February 2) and notice where the red line (freezing) will be - mostly south of Kansas. I don't think we will likely get out of the deep freeze until we reach the end of the week. 

Hope you have a great day - spring isn't that far off (less than 60 days 😌)