Heritage School rises above the prairie grass at Pioneers Park on Tuesday.
It was warm in November in Lincoln but not quite as warm as it might have seemed.
The average temperature for the month was 43.8 degrees, which was 4.9 degrees above average but doesn't rank among the top 20 warmest Novembers ever.
Despite that, the city set or tied a number of records for warmth, including an all-time high for Nov. 3 of 83 degrees. Lincoln also tied the record high of 78 on Nov. 7 and set record warm low temperatures of 58 on Nov. 7 and 56 on Nov. 8.
And the nine days with high temperatures of 70 or warmer tied the all-time record for the month, which was set in both 1999 and 2001. The average high temperature of 58.4 degrees for the month was more than eight degrees above average and the fifth-highest ever.
While November broke a three-month streak of colder-than-normal temperatures, it kept up a trend of drier-than-normal weather.
Lincoln recorded 1.2 inches of rain for the month, which was about a quarter of an inch below normal. That was the fourth month in a row and eighth so far this year with below-normal precipitation.
The city is now nearly 4.5 inches below normal for the year, and all of Lancaster County is now experiencing moderate drought conditions, with the extreme southwest portion of the county in extreme drought.
The short-term future does not offer any relief, with both the one-week and two-week forecasts from the National Weather Service calling for little chance of precipitation.
"No relief for drought in sight," the weather service said Tuesday on Twitter.
The extended forecast also calls for warmer-than-normal temperatures. Other than Wednesday and Thursday, when the forecast is for highs in the upper 30s to around 40, temperatures are expected to be in the mid-to-upper 40s, which is several degrees above normal.
Check your tires
For a safe ride, make sure your tires are correctly inflated according to your owner’s manual specifications. Also check your tires for wear and tear, because lower levels of tread decrease traction on icy surfaces. Remember not to slam on the brakes if you find yourself in a skid. Take your foot off the gas and turn into the skid until your car comes to a complete stop.
Keep your gas tank filled
Never allow your car to come close to empty during the winter. Cold weather can cause condensation to form in the vacant space in your gas tank. Once condensation forms, water can drip down and freeze in your gas line, blocking the flow of gas to your engine.
Check your fluid levels
Make sure you routinely check and fill your washer fluid to keep your windshield clean. Also remember to check your antifreeze level, because having the proper level helps protect your engine from freezing during the cold weather season.
Inspect your windshield wipers
By inspecting and replacing windshield wipers that are old and worn, you can increase visibility. Remember to raise your wipers before any freezing rain or snowfall so that they don’t freeze to your windows. This will make it faster and easier to clear your windows for your drive.
Check your car battery
When freezing temperatures arrive, the energy of your car battery goes down. To ensure your car starts this winter, have your battery inspected and tested. Be sure to check your battery cables for cracks and breaks in order to keep your car running all winter long.
Have de-icer on hand
Aside from your ice scrapper, an important tool to have during the winter is de-icer for car doors. The old-fashioned cure is to use warm water to unfreeze your car doors. However, if you find yourself away from a warm water source, glycerin can be used to help unfreeze your doors.
Make sure your defroster works
For most this might be a no-brainer, but remember to make sure your defroster works. The defroster will save you from shivering on your drive, as well as ensuring you can see properly.
Get your vehicle detailed
People often forget the benefits of getting your car detailed during the winter season. By getting your vehicle waxed, you can protect its paint from snow and salt damage.
Prepare an emergency kit
One of the most important keys to survival when you find yourself with car trouble or a weather situation is your emergency kit. Each emergency kit will be different based on your needs, but the basics should include a cell phone, blankets, extra clothes, flashlight, flares, food and perhaps a radio.Â
Stuck alongside the road
If you find yourself alongside the road, stay in your vehicle and wait for help. Make sure your tailpipe is clear from debris, including snow and ice. Failure to do so could cause carbon monoxide gas to build up inside the vehicle.
Reach the writer at 402-473-2647 or molberding@journalstar.com.
On Twitter @LincolnBizBuzz.
Matt Olberding
Business reporter
Matt Olberding is a Lincoln native and University of Nebraska-Lincoln graduate who has been covering business for the Journal Star since 2005.
