Throughout history, Omaha, Nebraska has been developing and adapting, but the environment has been struggling to keep up. Due to the expansion of downtown areas and the construction of large concrete buildings, houses and new roads we have seen several weather changing patterns across Omaha. This unexpected occurrence named the Oma-dome has left residents puzzled by the lack of snowfall and ice this winter. 52% of students who responded to a recent poll sent out had never heard of the Oma-dome and 48% have.
So far through this winter Omaha has not seen snowfall of greater than one inch across the Omaha and Lincoln area. On average Omaha typically sees 1.7 inches of snow per month throughout the winter with an average of 8 inches per year. Most snow falls happen between November and March but Omaha has seen snow as early as September 28 which occurred in 1985. The latest snowfall seen on record was May 9th 1945. Eppley Airfield this year has only seen snowfall of one inch this year which is much below the average of 10 inches.
According to a recent Poll taken by students, 59% stated that they were surprised by the lack of snow this year and 31% stated that they were not surprised by the lack of snow.
“I don’t like the snow but the lack of it indicates a big change in our environment,” sophomore Kaycee Canova states.
One of the main reasons that Omaha has not been getting snow is because of something called the urban heat island. An urban heat island is an area that experiences higher temperatures due to the large infrastructure which absorbs, traps and re-emits heat making the overall temperature higher. While the urban heat island has contributed to the snowless winter, dryness has also been a factor. This winter snow has not been able to fall due to the lack of moisture in the air. While Omaha has seen a few slick mornings, the only real batch of winter weather we have seen was from an ice storm on Friday, December 13th, 2024.
Another reason that we have not been getting snow is the unfavorable storm track. Storms seem to be developing in the south and traveling into the east and also storms developing towards the west and seeming to stay in the west and traveling slightly north. Many places around Omaha have seen great amounts of snow such as Saint Louis, Missouri seeing 14.2 inches and Kansas City, Missouri seeing 14.5 inches.
During this time last year Omaha was experiencing temperatures with a low of -13 and a high of 19, and during the week of the 14th-17th Omaha was experiencing temperatures with a low of 34 and a high of 41. So far throughout the winter of 2024-2025, Millard South has only had school canceled one time because of extremely cold temperatures on 1/21/25. When school does get called off for the day, many times teachers will be required to post assignments for students to complete but everyone got lucky on Tuesday.
When asked how do you feel about having snow days senior Evelyn Vanek states,“It’s kind of annoying. In elementary school, a snow day meant we could go outside and play. Now, I’d much rather spend my snow day with a good book and a cup of tea, not doing homework.”
The oma-dome has ultimately caused a rise in temperatures and has led to a snowless winter and a warmer January.
