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.