Trading in the Cold for Snow

Observation time: 2:00 pm

Precipitation: Snow
Sky conditions: Overcast
Wind: 7 mph from the southeast
Temperature: 6 degrees

A north-facing traffic cam from the DOT shows the low visibility and snowy road conditions we are seeing this afternoon. 

Today's Rant

As if we needed another reminder that it is still the winter season, we traded in the bitter cold for some snow this afternoon. Today started out cloudy and slightly warmer thanks to winds from the south, but the moisture that came with those winds quickly created an afternoon snow storm. I for one, am enjoying the break from the below zero temperatures, but adding more snow on top of ice that still hasn't melted from last week's storm is going to make for some nasty road conditions.

Forecast for Tomorrow

Winds will be quickly changing again tomorrow, returning us to the bitter cold. The shift back to northwest winds will mean cold, dry air is on its way back. Wind chill will once again be a factor as well, and based on recent days that have been similar, I expect single digit high temperatures and some well below zero temperatures for lows.

High Pressure Continues to Dominate

Observation time: 1:10 pm

Precipitation: None
Sky conditions: Clear
Wind: 4 mph from the west
Temperature: -5 degrees

This is a surface wind map of the U.S. and Canada. If you look at the top, right in the middle, you can see the polar vortex everyone has been talking about. To view this map live, visit earth.nullschool.net

Today's Rant

Today's weather is much like yesterday's, which is why I chose not to report yesterday. We are still in the same pattern that we have been since last week's storm with clear skies, frigid temperatures, and no end in sight (at least in the long run). Cold, dry air continues to be the main factor, as the arctic air masses from the north push down into the U.S. from Canada. The amount of snow we have on the ground right now is really impacting the amount of thermal energy being absorbed from the sun because much of it is being reflected right back off the surface. This is preventing the "polar vortex" from breaking up, and is a big reason as to why we continue to see such consistent and brutal weather.

Forecast for Tomorrow

Tomorrow may be an exception to the recent weather patterns, as winds look to shift in from a more southerly direction. This could bring some moisture to the area, which could mean some cloud cover and maybe even a small amount of snow. Wind speeds will continue to be about the same, but the wind chill factor shouldn't be quite as brutal. I would expect temperatures to at least be on the positive side of zero, if not getting into the double digits.

On Pace for the Coldest Winter Ever?

Observation time: 1:20 pm

Precipitation: None
Sky conditions: Clear
Wind: 15 mph from the west
Temperature: 4 degrees

Today's weather map shows high pressure in command of most of the country, thanks to the cold polar air masses pushing their way down from Canada.

Today's Rant

After taking a couple of days off observation wise for my health and lack of interesting things to report, I am back today to say, you guessed it, not much has changed! Following last week's big snow/ice storm we have fallen back into our previous trend of clear days and below zero temperatures for lows. In fact, our current average temperature for this winter season ranks 3rd coldest all time, and if it continues we could even make a run at the COLDEST winter ever. Winds have been fairly constant from the west, skies have been clear, and roads have been slow to thaw.

Forecast for Tomorrow

With little to no change expected in regards to wind patterns tomorrow, we should see conditions similar to today. Lows should fall below zero, and daytime highs likely won't get above the single digits, while wind chill will keep it feeling much colder. Skies should be clear to mostly sunny as there is very little moisture left in the air.

One Last Mild(er) Day

Observation time: 4:30 pm

Precipitation: None
Sky conditions: Clear
Wind: 15 mph from the west
Temperature: 16 degrees

This satellite image from the NOAA is taken from the GOES satellites. Today's image shows how dry the air has quickly become in our area. Moist air is shown by the blue in this image, and dry air is white. The areas of black represent air with literally almost zero moisture.

Today's Rant

Today we are seeing perfectly clear skies which is in great contrast with yesterday following the big snow storm. As predicted, winds have been strong all day out of the west, but haven't shifted quite enough to the north to really blow in the cold air. Our wind chill is low, but still hanging on just above zero. The nice day has made for major improvements to road conditions in the area as crews are out and about plowing and salting, although in many spots even the main highways still have some areas of hard-packed ice. Right now the winds are the main concern in terms of winter weather, as drifting could occur in open areas. But here in town, things are pretty nice all-in-all.

Forecast for Tomorrow

Winds will be shifting slightly more to the northwest tomorrow, and sustained speeds are still going to be a factor. Overall, things should be quite a bit like today and yesterday though, with lows just below zero and daytime highs in the teens. The wind chill will likely be a factor as well and keep it feeling more like zero however. Skies should be clear with the return of the drier arctic air from Canada, and looking out into the future, this could be a trend that may continue for the foreseeable future as high pressure is on the way in.

A Day for Clean-up

Observation time: 6 pm

Precipitation: None
Sky conditions: Partly clear
Wind: 18 mph from the west
Temperature: 13 degrees

Seen here, the center of the low pressure system that nailed us yesterday has moved on to the northeast into Canada, sending the precipitation off to the east coast. The rest of the country is pretty dry with high pressure and stationary fronts in control. 

Today's Rant

Today was a day of clean-up in Eau Claire in the wake of last night's massive snow storm that dumped about 7-8" of heavy, wet snow and a layer of ice on our area. Road conditions are still deplorable at best in many places, and area schools were called off for the second straight day (except ours). I continue to battle some sort of upper respiratory infection so I did not get the chances I wanted yesterday to go out and spend more time observing the storm, but the little time I spent outside last night was intense. Traffic was barely moving, what little there was, and I was thankful for my 4-wheel drive more than ever. Today saw a clearing pattern and even a bit of sun just before we hit nightfall, but strong winds from the west have been causing drifting snow to become a new problem, as well as working our temperature back down towards zero. Lows are expected to again fall below that zero mark several times in the coming days as well...

Forecast for Tomorrow

Winds will continue from the west and continue to be somewhat strong. All-in-all, I expect conditions to be similar to today. Temperatures shouldn't drop off much more than they did today, but blowing snow could still be a factor in some more rural, open areas with the high winds. Things should be shaping up for a nice, but cold weekend.

Storm of the Year?

Observation time: 5:45 pm

Precipitation: Heavy snow
Sky conditions: Overcast
Wind: 10 mph from the north
Temperature: 33 degrees

A satellite image from NOAA's GOES Satellite shows the storm system that stretches from our area, all the way to the Gulf Coast. Clouds appear purple, the severe weather in the south is yellow and red, and snow (such as what we are experiencing) is green.

Today's Rant

Today we saw rather warm temperatures most of the day, but to the common observer that may have been a clever disguise for the current storm at hand. The clouds were threatening all day, almost looking like a hot summer afternoon as more moisture built up in our area thanks to warm air from the south over the last few days. What was light rain turned to ice, and is now falling as snow. Quickly. This storm is massive, covering several states with everything from rain to snow, and it predicted to dump as much as a foot of snow in our area. If you're like me, this is a great day with a perfect combination: snow and warmth

Forecast for Tomorrow

Snow will linger overnight into the morning, and tomorrow will bring fairly strong winds from a more westerly direction. This should keep us in the clouds most likely, but temperatures should begin to drop off again, as is typical of the day after a big storm that wastes most of the moisture in the air. This is a big storm and it is likely that a colder, drier pattern could emerge for the next week.

The Warmth Continues...For Now

Observation time: 10:20 am

Precipitation: None
Sky conditions: Clear
Wind: 7 mph from the southwest
Temperature: 27 degrees

Weather.com forecasts are calling for up to 10 inches of snow for some parts of our region in the next 48 hours. A low pressure system being fueled by warm, moist air from the south is on its way in and looks to create one of our bigger storms of the winter season.

Today's Rant

It's another milder day today as we await a potential snow storm tomorrow. Temperatures are up near 30 degrees already, which is about where we should be this time of year. Skies are clear right now, but that should be changing later on this evening as a storm front moves in from the west. There isn't much else to report today, as it is very similar to yesterday, as my forecast predicted.

Forecast for Tomorrow

Temperatures for tomorrow should be fairly similar to today, but conditions will not be. The sustained amount of moist air we have been getting from the south along with a low pressure system moving in is making conditions right for a big time winter storm. My prediction lines up with that of the National Weather Service, which is calling for about 3-5 inches of snow during the day tomorrow, and maybe another 1-3 inches in the evening. This could be one of our bigger storms of the year, so get ready Eau Claire.

Heat Wave!

Observation time: 1:30 pm

Precipitation: None
Sky conditions: Sun and clouds
Wind: 6 mph from the southwest
Temperature: 35 degrees

The weather.com temperature change map shows a good part of the country is much warmer today than yesterday, as is the case in our area. This is thanks to the tropical air masses coming from the south pushing up into the continent and forcing the polar air back into Canada.

Today's Rant

As I predicted yesterday, the warmer air coming from the southwest has driven temperatures to their highest point in months! We are seeing a mix of sun and clouds to go along with that, so overall, this is easily the nicest day we have had in a LONG time. I am a little surprised as to how this worked out, as we typically see cold temperatures following a big snowfall. But this time we have temperatures warm enough to melt some of what fell the last couple of days.

Forecast for Tomorrow

Don't expect too much change tomorrow, as winds will continue from the south and southwest. We should see similar conditions with a mix of sun and clouds, and mild temperatures (by this season's standards). Actually, temperatures in the 30's should be normal for our area right now, but this year has been ridiculously cold.

Snowy Start to a Warmer Week

Observation time: 11:30 am

Precipitation: Snow
Sky conditions: Overcast
Wind: 14 mph from the southeast
Temperature: 22 degrees

A webcam from wunderground.com near my apartment complex shows the fresh snow on the ground this morning

Today's Rant

Coming off of a weekend where I was under the weather (haha) and missed a couple of observations, we woke up to more snow this morning, along with some nicer temperatures. As of 10 am, about 2" of snow was already on the ground here in Eau Claire, with the potential for up to 4 more inches by this afternoon. We have some decent wind blowing in from the south and southeast, which is fueling the storm with moisture.

Forecast for Tomorrow

Winds should continue out of the west and southwest tomorrow, so I expect some pretty decent conditions in terms of temperatures. We should be as warm if not warmer than today, with some cloud cover as well. This trend looks to continue for a few days into the future as well, and it should be a nice break from the extreme cold we have seen almost every day so far in 2014.

The Warm Streak Continues

Observation time: 11:45 am

Precipitation: None
Sky conditions: Overcast
Wind: 13 mph from the southeast
Temperature: 16 degrees

Radar from accuweather.com shows more snow on the way from the west today, thanks to the moist air blowing in from the south

Today's Rant

Today we are seeing our warmer trend of temperatures continue, fueled by cloud cover thanks to winds from the south and southeast. We saw a small amount of snow each of the last two days, and there is a good chance we might see a little more later today with the warm, moist air. I was down and out with a nasty sore throat the last couple of days, so I hadn't made any predictions for today.

Forecast for Tomorrow

Winds are supposed to continue from the south and southeast tomorrow, so I expect conditions similar to today. Overall wind speed is supposed to be a little lower, so the temperature should be slightly warmer, skies should remain overcast, and the moist air brings the chance of snow as always.

More Snow!

Observation time: 1:20 pm

Precipitation: None

Sky conditions: Overcast

Wind: 7 mph from the south

Temperature: 26 degrees

As seen here, low pressure has finally made it to our area once again. This is what is causing the snowfall and warmer temps., as the warmer air mass from the south pushes the arctic mass back up into Canada.

Today's Rant

Today is turning out to be our warmest day in a LONG time. Winds have remained steady from the south and as I predicted yesterday, our temperature is much warmer than it has been, and we saw about another 1/2" of snow overnight/this morning. But as much as I love snow, it comes with a risk this year. With so much already on the ground, it is currently believed that on average, every acre of land currently covered is holding about 65,000 gallons of water. Here's to hoping we don't warm up too fast in the spring...

Forecast for Tomorrow

Winds tomorrow will be shifting again and coming at us from the northwest. Gusts are expected to be above 10 mph at time, so I would expect some sky clearing and falling temperatures. I don't think we are going to see a complete return to the frigid temperatures we have been seeing lately, but it certainly won't be as warm as it is today either. 

More Average Conditions

Observation time: 10:10 am

Precipitation: None
Sky conditions: Overcast
Wind: 4 mph from the southwest
Temperature: 13 degrees

This temperature change map shows that our area is the warmest in the country when compared to yesterday

Today's Rant

Today we woke up to a little bit of snow on the ground. Yay! We are quite a bit warmer today, with light winds from the south and southwest, as well as cloud cover, giving us a break from the freezer that has been this winter. Yesterday I called for clouds, warming temperatures, and the possibility of snow, and we have seen all three conditions already this morning. Hopefully this trend can continue.

Forecast for Tomorrow

Winds tomorrow will be swirling from a central point near the Duluth/Superior area, meaning we could see gusts from the west/northwest as well as the southwest. The continuing chance of winds from a more southerly direction should drive temperatures up even further and bring another chance of snow.

One Last Cold Blast

Observation time: 1:15 pm

Precipitation: None
Sky conditions: Clear
Wind: 11 mph from the south
Temperature: 8 degrees

Although not impacting our area, the polar air that has kept us so cold and pushed so far south has caused a snow/ice storm in the southern states that is extremely unusual. Radar from accuweather.com

Today's Rant

Today started out at around -20 degrees when I woke up for classes, but we have worked our way up to the single digits, and that warming trend is supposed to continue! Yesterday I predicted slightly warmer temperatures during the day, and we are certainly seeing that. Warmer, more moist air is blowing in from the south, and that is going to bring a chance of snow as well within the next few days.

Forecast for Tomorrow

Winds will continue from the west and southwest which should keep temperatures on the rise. Gusts are supposed to be low, so wind chill should be a non-factor. We should see some more cloud cover with the moist air moving in, and that always brings at least a slight chance of snow.

High Pressure Dominance

Observation time: 5:30 pm

Precipitation: None
Sky Conditions: Clear
Wind: 6 mph from the west
Temperature: 1 degree

Weather.com surface maps show the high pressure system that is dominating most of the country again today. This is because of the continental polar air mass in Canada is pushing its way further South than usual.

Today's Rant

High pressure from the north is dominating our area once again today. We saw clear skies and cold temperatures, but got a bit of  break from any major winds which kept us just above zero degrees most of the day. My predictions from yesterday were accurate, although that hasn't been extremely tough the last few days. We have seen pretty much the same conditions almost every day in the last week. That may change in a couple of days however, as low pressure is supposed to be moving in bringing warmer temperatures and possibly some snow. It would be a nice change, but that doesn't include tomorrow...

Forecast for Tomorrow

Winds for tomorrow are supposed to be shifting and coming from the south, but wind speed is supposed to be higher than today. I would expect some clouds tomorrow, and slightly warmer temperatures. If we see any snow this week, I would say it is still a couple of days away.

Not Much to Report

Observation time: 11:40 am

Precipitation: None
Sky conditions: Overcast
Wind: 10 mph from the northwest
Temperature: 3 degrees

High pressure continues to dominate the midwest today, holding the snow to our south

Today's Rant

Yet again there is little change to report this morning. The temperature hasn't changed much at all from yesterday, although a shift in the wind is driving wind chills down below -10. We have clear skies that aren't helping anything as well. I was correct yesterday in saying that today would be fairly typical of what we have been seeing lately.

Forecast for Tomorrow

Expect things to be pretty similar to today. Wind direction is supposed to stay the same, but with lesser gusts. Conditions should be about the same, but the temperature should be slightly warmer with the weaker wind.

Still Stuck in a Rut

Observation time: 11:10 am

Precipitation: None
Sky conditions: Overcast
Wind: 2 mph from the south
Temperature: 1 degree

A DOT webcam shows the gloomy conditions today

Today's Rant

If it seems like my postings are getting old and boring, trust me, they are for me as well. Today we continue to see temperatures hovering around zero degrees, as has been the case most days so far in 2014. The air is pretty dry despite getting a breeze from the south, which has brought the cloud cover but no snow. This matches my forecast from yesterday, although I was hoping for a little bit warmer temperatures. There is a slight chance of snow later today, although it shouldn't amount to much even if it does come our way.

Forecast for Tomorrow

With winds coming from the northwest and some significant gusts of over 10 mph, I would expect some fairly cold temperatures again. The sky should be more open as well, and we shouldn't see any snow. All in all, it should be another day typical of what we have seen all year so far.

Lack of Excitement

Observation time: 2:15 pm

Precipitation: None
Sky conditions: Clear
Wind: 15 mph from the Southwest
Temperature: 7 degrees

High pressure is dominating most of the central and eastern U.S. today

Today's Rant

After missing my report yesterday, there still isn't really much to discuss. We stayed about the same from Wednesday, and today is more of the same. It is clear and sunny with a fairly strong sustained wind which is driving those wind chills down around -10 degrees. There is a massive high pressure system covering central and eastern parts of the country meaning a lot of people are seeing what we are. The only real action is on the west coast, probably fueled by the moisture from the ocean.

Forecast for Tomorrow

Winds tomorrow are supposed to continue to kind of swirl around in the upper mid-west, meaning we should see ours from the south. This should bring some clouds and warmer temperatures, but I do not expect snow. Honestly, this weather pattern is getting pretty old and boring...

Staying the Same

Observation time: 12:55 pm

Precipitation: None
Sky conditions: Overcast
Wind: 10 mph from the Northwest
Temperature: 6 degrees

The weather.com temperature map shows us in a large trough of cold air, due to the high pressure pushing down from the north

Today's Rant

Honestly, I am running out of things to say lately. Today's weather is pretty typical of what we have been seeing most days. Conditions are about the same as yesterday, as I predicted, and temperatures are a little bit colder due to the higher winds. I really don't care for these dreary days too much. At least people to our south and east saw some snow in the last 24 hours. I mean, come on...

Forecast for Tomorrow

Winds out of the west with gusts about where they are today should create almost identical conditions as what we are seeing today. Cold, but above zero with wind chills just below zero, along with a mostly cloudy sky. A lack of moisture from the high pressure system should keep us dry as well.

Two Warm(er) Days in a Row!

Observation time: 2:10 pm

Precipitation: None
Sky conditions: Mostly cloudy
Wind: 6 mph from the North
Temperature: 14 degrees

Weather.com surface maps show high pressure pushing down from Canada, giving us dry and cold conditions

Today's Rant

My predictions from yesterday were correct! We have stayed about the same in terms of temperature, although overnight and early this morning it was well below zero. We have seen a mix of sun and clouds today, along with light wind and dry air. There is snow to our south, but the high pressure bearing down on us from Canada is keeping it away. It feels like the first time in weeks that daytime highs have been anywhere near this warm (if you consider teens warm).

Forecast for Tomorrow

Winds for tomorrow should be coming from the North and Northwest again, but the gusts are predicted to be slightly stronger than today. This leads me to believe that conditions should be much like they are today: dry and mostly cloudy. But the temperature should be a little bit lower with the higher wind speeds.

A New Week, A New Trend?

Observation time: 12:40 pm

Precipitation: None
Sky conditions: Clear
Wind: 3 mph from the Southwest
Temperature: 16 degrees

Weather.com radar shows clouds approaching from the West today

Today's Rant

After a less than exciting Super Bowl last night it was nice to wake up to warmer temperatures today. We are up about 15 degrees from yesterday so far. At the time of observation the skies were clear above me, but clouds could be seen to the North and West. Those should be moving in later on and that should lead to even warmer temperatures. I am hoping that perhaps this could be a new trend for this week: warmer temperatures and maybe some snow? Please?

Forecast for Tomorrow

Contrary to what I might want, it appears that winds will be shifting back from the North/Northwest tomorrow which means we could see colder temperatures instead of warmer. Wind gusts are not supposed to be significant however, so if we get lucky it might not get TOO much colder. I expect another mix of sun and clouds, but not much moisture in the atmosphere so we should be snow free.

Super Bowl Sunday

Observation time: 10:45 am

Precipitation: None
Sky conditions: Clear
Wind: Calm, gusting from the North
Temperature: 1 degree

Today we are sitting in a cloudless pocket, as shown by the weather.com map

Today's Rant

Today is Super Bowl Sunday, an unofficial holiday where we sit inside and eat which is fine with me because it is back to the cold outside. We aren't seeing much wind which is helping a little bit, but the lack of cloud cover has us hovering just above zero degrees this morning. Yesterday I predicted that our amount of cloud cover would depend on the exact wind direction, and that turned out to be true. Although mostly calm, what gusts we are seeing are coming from a more Northerly direction. I also said the temperature would be about the same, and for my times of observation that may be true, but yesterday felt much warmer in the afternoon.

Forecast for Tomorrow

The wind forecast for tomorrow shows Eau Claire at a point where some Northwest and Southwest winds are kind of converging. The gusts are not supposed to be significant. To play it safe because everything will depend on the exact wind direction, I am going to call for a mix of sun and clouds and milder temperatures. If we get enough moisture from the South, MAYBE we could see snow.

The Rollercoaster Continues

Observation time: 11:10 am

Precipitation: None
Sky conditions: Overcast
Wind: 4 mph from the North
Temperature: 8 degrees

It's another dreary day in Eau Claire, as shown by this webcam from wunderground.com

Today's Rant

The up and down pattern of temperatures continues today. Yesterday was clear and freezing, and today we are seeing clouds and rising temperatures. There is very little wind which is helping to minimize any wind chill effects as well. It doesn't appear as though we will be seeing any more snow today, so that prediction was wrong, although I said there was only a chance based on conditions. That might not be a bad thing though, as we have already seen 46" of snow this winter, which is the area average for the ENTIRE winter. We still have plenty of time left in the cold, so there is a chance that we could see a record in terms of snowfall this year.

Forecast for Tomorrow

With winds coming from the West/Southwest, we could see a mix of clouds and sun depending on the exact direction tomorrow. The temperature shouldn't change much from today as actual wind speeds should stay low. For most people this is probably irrelevant however, as tomorrow is Super Bowl Sunday, and most of us will be inside watching the game and gorging ourselves.