Bundle up for New Year’s Eve activities, especially if you plan to be one of the thousands of people expected to attend a fireworks show in downtown Omaha or outdoor events at Council Bluffs’ First Night celebration.
Temperatures should be in the single digits Thursday evening, when both events will be held, according to the National Weather Service. Winds were expected to be from the north to northwest at 10 mph, bringing wind chill readings to 5 to 10 degrees below zero, the weather service said.
The First National Bank fireworks display is scheduled for 7 p.m. The cold is unlikely to be enough to cancel the fireworks, said Vic Gutman, manager of Omaha’s Holiday Lights Festival. “That kind of comes with the territory.”
Gutman recommended that people who plan to be outside for the show dress appropriately for spending 30 to 40 minutes in the cold. Others might find a good vantage point and stay in their cars, where they can stay warm and listen to the accompanying music on radio station STAR 104.5 FM.
Hundreds of people typically watch the fireworks from the warmth and comfort of downtown buildings, including area hotels and condominiums, Gutman said.
The W. Dale Clark Library will also be open for viewing, although priority on the fourth floor will be given to the elderly and people with disabilities.
Bluffs revelers can stay warmer by using a free shuttle service to take them to the different entertainment venues of First Night.
Meteorologist Rick Chermok of the weather service office in Valley recommended wearing layers of clothing, possibly long underwear and extra socks, plus a hat and good gloves.
A cold front was expected to bring Arctic air into the region this evening. The cold should linger through New Year’s Day, he said, with temperatures moderating slightly Saturday.
Another blast of Arctic air was forecast to move in early next week, Chermok said.
The bright side of the bitter cold?
At least fireworks spectators won’t have to worry about falling through the ice at the Gene Leahy Mall’s lagoon, Gutman said.
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