Wednesday, February 28, 2018

Previous Forecast:

The remainder of yesterday did continue to have mild weather with temperatures in the forties.  The high temperature of yesterday was 48°F, the warmest high of the whole month of February so far.  The average temperature was also the highest for February with an average temperature of 33°F.  Two inches of snow pack were melted yesterday due to these warm temperatures.  The Eau Claire area now only has 7 inches of snow pack.    

Current Conditions:

Temperature: 35°F          Feels Like: 29°F
Humidity: 85%
Wind Conditions: ENE 7 mph
Precipitation: 10%
Sky Conditions: sunny with a few clouds moving in
Visibility: 8.0 miles

      Today in Eau Claire there is slightly cooler weather than yesterday.  The winds have shifted and we are now experiencing an eastward wind.  Clouds should continue to fill the sky as the day continues.  the surface map in Figure 1 shows that some possible snow may be moving into the area tonight.  rain and thunderstorms are still wrecking havoc on south eastern and north eastern United States.  In Figure 2 a picture of what the Ohio River in Cincinnati looked like on Sunday reaching 60 feet which is 8 feet above what their flood stage classification is set at, 52- feet.  This is the biggest flood the city has seen since 1997. In the surface map it shows they are going to be experiencing more rain today, not helping the state of this flooding. 
       

Figure 1. Surface map of the United States for today.

Figure 2.  Picture of the flooding of the Ohio River looked like on Sunday in Cincinnati.  

Tomorrow's Forecast:

I believe the weather conditions currently being experienced in Eau Claire will hold for the rest of the day, with the possibility of snow and precipitation events occurring early tomorrow morning.  In Figure 3 it can be seen that a snow event is expected to hit Eau Claire at 1 am tomorrow.

Figure 3. Predicted weather events for 1 am tomorrow for the Midwest United States.

Daily National Holiday: 

Today is National Public Sleeping Day! Make sure to find a nice place to lie down and take a nap wile at work or school today! Just remember to keep the snoring to a minimum.

Tuesday, February 27, 2018

Previous Forecast:

The remainder of yesterday did consist of mild temperatures in the forties.  Temperatures did get cooler at night, but they have already reached the low forties today, making for a wonderful early spring day consistent with the weather experienced the past few days.

Current Conditions:

Temperature: 41°F          Feels Like: 41°F
Humidity: 62%
Wind Conditions: 0 mph
Precipitation: 20%
Sky Conditions: sunny clear skies
Visibility: 10.0 miles

      Today in Eau Claire there are clear skies with a lot of sunshine.  There is no wind so today actually feels like the forty degree temperature it is without the wind making it feel cooler.  In the surface map in Figure 1 it is shown that there is severe thunderstorms and flooding occurring in the southeastern portion of the United States.  The high pressure front cutting across Minnesota and Wisconsin following the path of the jet stream in Figure 2.  Also along this front there is a temperature boundary, shown in Figure 3.  Warm temperature lie to the south of the front and cold temperatures lie to the north of the front.  The difference across the front is causing precipitation events in southern Wisconsin.  The dip in the jet stream shown in the western United States in Figure 2 explains the snow events occurring in the western United States shown in Figure 1.    

Figure 1. Surface map of the United States for today.

Figure 2.  The current jet stream pattern across the United States.  

Figure 3. Map of the temperatures across the U.S. today.

Tomorrow's Forecast:

I believe the weather conditions currently being experienced in Eau Claire will hold for the rest of the day, with the possibility of slight precipitation events, occurring tomorrow.  Right now this precipitation event is anticipated to effect just south of Eau Claire as shown in Figure 4, but a possible shift in the jet stream could send these showers to the Eau Claire area.

Figure 4. A 24-hour forecast map of the United States for today. 

Daily National Holiday: 

Today is National Polar Bear Day!  One of my favorite endangered species! Here is my best at a polar bear joke! How much does a polar bear weigh? Enough to break the ice! Bad joke, but if you want to learn more and help save the polar bears please visit this website: https://polarbearsinternational.org/get-involved/save-our-sea-ice-campaign/.

Monday, February 26, 2018

Previous Forecast:

The remainder of yesterday did continue to have wild windy weather conditions as predicted.  The Eau Claire area is following long term weather conditions by temperatures continuing to warm, but the expectant 40°F temperatures came early! Eau Claire has hit 40°F by Monday, not the predicted Tuesday. 

Current Conditions:

Temperature: 43°F          Feels Like: 37°F
Humidity: 46%
Wind Conditions: SSW 12 mph
Precipitation: 10%
Sky Conditions: sunny with clear skies
Visibility: 9.0 miles

      Today in Eau Claire there are again milder temperatures much like yesterday although warmer.  Today is a pleasant early spring-like day.  The skies are sunny and clear.  There is still a strong southwest wind coming into the Eau Claire area, bringing warmer temperatures.  These conditions will help melt some of the snow pack we accumulated this weekend.  The snow pack is currently having negative effects on the temperatures we are experiencing, making it feel colder than it actually is.  As seen in Figure 1 the weather conditions this week across the United States are much milder than they were last week.    

Figure 1. Surface map of the United States for today.

Tomorrow's Forecast:

I believe the weather conditions currently being experienced in Eau Claire will hold for the rest of the day with continuing increasing temperatures. I believe the temperatures will drop down to the twenties tonight but rise and become mild again for another warm day tomorrow.  A weak front is expected to come across the plains later this week.  This front is expected to have the greatest impact on southern Wisconsin, but limited effects might be felt in Eau Claire as shown in the snow predictions map for Wednesday in Figure 2.   

Figure 2. Snow predictions for the Twin Cities and outlying areas for Wednesday night.

Daily National Holiday: 

Today is National Tell a Fairy Tale Day! Whether your favorite is Cinderella, Snow White, or Rapunzel be sure to give that classic a good read to celebrate!  Break out those old story books!

Sunday, February 25, 2018

Previous Forecast:

The weekend weather report was changed to Sunday this week instead of Saturday so the winter storm could be reported on, not just the anticipation of the storm.  The remainder of Friday did remain overcast.  Overnight the temperatures dropped dramatically.  Temperatures remained cold Saturday morning but continually warmed throughout the day.  The snow began to fall at about 4 pm in Eau Claire.  There was a total accumulation of 3.6 inches of snow yesterday and there was a total of 0.3 inches of snow that fell this morning.  The total snow accumulation of the snowstorm is 3.9 inches!   

Current Conditions:

Temperature: 23°F          Feels Like: 10°F
Humidity: 71%
Wind Conditions: WSW 16 mph
Precipitation: 0%
Sky Conditions: partly sunny and windy
Visibility: 9.0 miles

Today in Eau Claire there is a lot of snow covering the streets and sidewalks.  Locals are busy clearing the 3.6 inches of snow that accumulated in the snow storm yesterday.  Today is expected to have mild temperatures with a strong southwest wind.  This wind is causing blowing and drifting snow.  Clouds are moving out of the area and sunny skies are expected toward late afternoon with temperatures reaching low thirties.  Wind chills will however make it feel colder than it is.  The jet stream map in Figure 1 shows the strong southwest winds coming into the Eau Claire area today bringing milder temperatures. 

Figure 1. Map of the jet stream across the United States today.  

Tomorrow's Forecast:

The Eau Claire area is currently experiencing mild windy weather conditions.  The mild southwest wind is bringing in mild temperatures I expect to continue for the beginning of this week.  Temperatures could reach forties by Tuesday.  The surface map in Figure 2 shows the mild and uneventful weather conditions occurring in the Eau Claire area today.  These conditions I expect to hold for the next few days.   

Figure 2. Surface map of the United States for today.

Daily National Holiday: 

Today is National Chocolate Covered Nut Day!  Whether your nut of choice is a peanut, almond, or cashew make sure to celebrate by dipping it in some delicious chocolate!!

Friday, February 23, 2018

Previous Forecast:

For the remainder of yesterday the temperatures did remain constant in the twenties.  Around 5 pm snow began to fall and continued into this morning.  The total accumulation accounted for 2.2 inches inches.  For today the snow has stopped and the Eau Claire area is experiencing the same conditions experienced yesterday morning with heavy cloud cover.

Current Conditions:

Temperature: 28°F          Feels Like: 17°F
Humidity: 81%
Wind Conditions: W 14 mph
Precipitation: 10%
Sky Conditions: cloudy skies
Visibility: 8.0 miles

Today in Eau Claire there is weather with heavy cloud cover and temperatures in the twenties.  The surface map in Figure 1 shows that the Eau Claire area is currently under a mild low pressure system.  There is no significant weather events occurring today.  Today's weather conditions are mild in temperature and activity.

Figure 1. Surface map of the United States for today.

Tomorrow's Forecast:

The Eau Claire area is currently experiencing cloudy skies and temperatures in the twenties.  I think these conditions will hold into tomorrow with little to no temperature drop this evening.  There has been a winter storm watch issued for Eau Claire county beginning 3pm on Saturday and going until 6am on Sunday.  I expect snow to begin to fall tomorrow late afternoon.  In Figure 2 are the weather predictions for 4 pm Saturday evening showing a big snow mass approaching the Eau Claire area.

Figure 2. Weather predictions for 4 pm tomorrow evening.

Daily National Holiday: 

Today is National Banana Bread Day! Gather up those black and spotted bananas you no longer want to eat and make some delicious banana bread! Don't forget to add chocolate chips!

Thursday, February 22, 2018

Previous Forecast:

The remainder of yesterday did remain cold in a high pressure system and during the night clouds moved into the area bringing temperatures up to more mild temperatures. 

Current Conditions:

Temperature: 20°F          Feels Like: 12°F
Humidity: 58%
Wind Conditions: E 6 mph
Precipitation: 10%
Sky Conditions: cloudy
Visibility: 10.0 miles

Today in Eau Claire there is warmer weather than yesterday because the Eau Claire area has moved out of the high pressure zone.  Cloud cover has moved into the Eau Claire area bringing in more mild temperatures.  The eastward wind being experienced today is going to bring in snow events later today as shown in Figure 1.  The surface map sows Eau Claire falling between freezing precipitation and snow, so there is almost guaranteed to be some precipitation today.                                               

Figure 1. Surface map of the United States for the rest of today

Tomorrow's Forecast:

The Eau Claire area is currently experiencing temperatures in the twenties and is expecting a chance of late day snow.  The Eau Claire area as shown in Figure 2 is expected to get 2 to 5 inches of snow between tonight and tomorrow.  Eau Claire has a winter weather advisory scheduled to begin at 6 pm today an end at 9 am tomorrow.

Figure 2. Snow forecast map for the Twin Cities and surrounding areas for Thursday afternoon and Friday morning.

Daily National Holiday: 

Today is National California Day! If you are from the golden state be sure to celebrate! I am sure everyone in the Eau Claire area is jealous of you and your 50°F weather with no chance of snow!

Wednesday, February 21, 2018

Previous Forecast:

During the remainder of yesterday there were no more precipitation events. The temperatures have dropped significantly between yesterday and today.  But the winds shifted to a more southern wind so warming to the area is a possibility.

Current Conditions:

Temperature: 5°F          Feels Like: -7°F
Humidity: 80%
Wind Conditions: WSW 7 mph
Precipitation: 10%
Sky Conditions: sunny with mixed clouds
Visibility: 10.0 miles

Today in Eau Claire there is cold weather with clear skies.  We are currently in a high pressure system seen in Figure 1.  The high pressure system has brought the are clear sunny skies and cold temperatures with highs near twenty for the day.  Southwest winds occurring are promising for the possibility of warmer weather moving into the area.  Figure 2 shows the jet stream pattern bringing fast moving warm winds from the south to the Wisconsin and Eau Claire area.

Figure 1. Surface map for the United States today.

Figure 2. Map of the United States showing the jet stream path for today. 

Tomorrow's Forecast:

The Eau Claire area is currently experiencing a high pressure system.  Clouds are expected to move into the area tonight from the southwest.  I expect the increasing cloud cover to continue into Thursday and for temperatures to become more mild.

Daily National Holiday: 

Today is National Sticky Bun Day! If you enjoy this delicious pastry with caramel and nuts than be sure to pick one up today to celebrate!

Tuesday, February 20, 2018

Previous Forecast:

The remainder of yesterday did consist of scattered snow showers and freezing rain, with a total accumulation of 0.8 inches of snow.  So there was a little less snow accumulation than predicted, but still a notable amount.  Temperatures have held constant from yesterday into today, with temperatures in the low to mid twenties.  The winter weather advisory for Eau Claire County is still in effect until noon today.

Current Conditions:

Temperature: 22°F          Feels Like: 14°F
Humidity: 85%
Wind Conditions: W 6 mph
Precipitation: 20%
Sky Conditions: cloudy with few flurries
Visibility: 8.0 miles

      Today in Eau Claire there are cloudy overcast skies with a slight chance of freezing drizzle before noon.  Today will be cloudy with highs near 29.  There will be a westward wind of between 5 to 10 mph.  Across the U.S. right now there is a mid latitude cyclone stretching from the northern to the southern border.  This can be seen in Figure 1.  There is a huge series of weak lows cutting across the United States.  This makes up a stationary front with cooler air masses to the north and warmer air masses to the south.  This front is occurring due to a dip in the jet stream leading to a trough in the western portion of the U.S. This can be seen in Figure 2.   The pattern of the jet stream is dipping south bringing cold air into the western U.S. area.  Also the jet stream is pulling moist warm air from the south pacific to the Midwest.  This moist southern air being pulled up to the Midwest is leading to weather events of snow and rain in the Midwest. Figure 3 shows the line of water vapor coming off of the southern pacific and following the path of the jet stream heading northeast.  Lastly, the path of the jet stream and the stationary front is leading to a divide in temperatures shown in Figure 4.  There are warm temperatures present to the south of the front and jet stream path and cold temperatures to the north.  The jet stream is playing a big effect in the weather across the U.S. today.

Figure 1. Surface map of the United States for today.

Figure 2.  The current jet stream pattern across the United States.  

Figure 3. Water vapor patterns across the U.S. today.

Figure 4. Map of the temperatures across the U.S. today.

Tomorrow's Forecast:

I believe the weather conditions currently being experienced in Eau Claire will hold for the rest of the day, with the possibility of more snow and precipitation events, a freezing drizzle is likely. 

Daily National Holiday: 

Today is National Love Your Pet Day! Make sure to give the creature in your life some extra love today! And remember pets are bundles of love wrapped in fur!

Monday, February 19, 2018

Previous Forecast:

The remainder of the weekend did remain cold, and the snow conditions experienced on Saturday did stop in the early afternoon.  The long term forecast was correct in predicting snow as there is a heavy snowfall occurring right now in Eau Claire.

Current Conditions:

Temperature: 24°F          Feels Like: 14°F
Humidity: 88%
Wind Conditions: NE 10 mph
Precipitation: 70%
Sky Conditions: Cloudy with heavy snowfall
Visibility: 0.3 miles

Today in Eau Claire there is snowy weather conditions. There is currently a winter weather advisory issued until 6 pm tonight for the Ea Claire area.  The low pressure track has made its way through the Eau Claire area leading to snow and precipitation in the area, as seen in Figure 1 below.  There is a  possibility that freezing rain will occur in the area.   

Figure 1.  Surface map of the Eau Claire area for today.

Tomorrow's Forecast:

The Eau Claire area is currently experiencing snowy weather conditions, I expect these conditions to continue for the rest of the day resulting in 1 to 2 inches of snow accumulation in Eau Claire as predicted in Figure 2. I also predict a large amount of ice accumulation, and freezing rain for the rest of today also predicted in Figure 2.  There is expected to be 0.25 to 0.50 inches of ice accumulation in the Eau Claire area today. 

Figure 2. Forecast maps of the snow accumulation and freezing precipitation for the Twin Cities and surrounding areas for today and tomorrow.

Daily National Holiday: 

Today is National Presidents Day! A holiday established to celebrate George Washington, also called "George Washington's Birthday", even though today is not his birthday weird enough! If your see a quarter today be sure to wish George a happy  presidents day on it!

Saturday, February 17, 2018

Previous Forecast:

The remainder of yesterday did remain cooler than previous days but warmed up slightly through the day.  Today is following the predictions that were made yesterday and there has been a light snow fall in Eau Claire this morning. 

Current Conditions:

Temperature: 26°F          Feels Like: 18°F
Humidity: 80%
Wind Conditions: SW 9 mph
Precipitation: 80%
Sky Conditions: cloudy and overcast with snow showers
Visibility: 0.5 miles

Today in Eau Claire there is warmer weather but cooler than the past few days.  Temperatures are in the twenties and there is an overcast sky.  There has been a constant light snowfall all morning.  In the GIF in Figure 1 shows the path of the snow storm that hit Eau Claire today.  The storm came in from the west and followed the Southwestern wind pattern blowing out of the area.

Figure 1. GIF of the snowstorm that hit Eau Claire today.

Tomorrow's Forecast:

The Eau Claire area is currently experiencing snowy weather conditions.  I believe these conditions will end shortly and the rest of the day to have overcast skies with cold temperatures.  For a long term forecast I predict the return of snow as seen in Figure 2.  The Eau Claire area is expecting 1 to 2 inches of snow by Tuesday night.

Figure 2. Forecast map of snow accumulation for Sunday thru Tuesday night.

Daily National Holiday: 

Today is National Random Act of Kindness Day!  Make sure to something kind! It can be to someone you know or a stranger at the grocery store, but keep kindness in mind today!

Friday, February 16, 2018

Previous Forecast:

The remainder of yesterday did remain warm, but temperatures dropped over night and now temperatures are relatively cold again.  Over the past two days with warmer weather conditions, 2 inches of snow were melted.  Overnight temperatures reached below freezing, temperatures today started off cool but are continuing to rise as the day continues.

Current Conditions:

Temperature: 11°F          Feels Like: -1°F
Humidity: 45%
Wind Conditions: WSW 8 mph
Precipitation: 0%
Sky Conditions: sunny with clear skies
Visibility: 10.0 miles

Today in Eau Claire there is colder than the weather the past few days.  Temperatures are low, in single digits this morning, but have been slowly rising through the day with a southwest wind blowing in the area.  The surface map below in Figure 1 shows a prediction of snow for later today. 

Figure 1. Surface map of the United States for today.

Tomorrow's Forecast:

The Eau Claire area is currently experiencing temperatures that are cooling.  I believe these conditions will hold for the rest of the day today, and a snow will begin in the evening according to the surface map in Figure 1.

A follow up on  Cyclone Gita in the Atlantic Ocean is that it is now expected to hit New Zealand and the area is preparing for the hit.  In Figure 2 the predicted scenarios of Cyclone Gita can be seen. 

Figure 2. Predicted paths of Cyclone Gita in the Atlantic 

Daily National Holiday: 

Today is National Caregivers Day!  Thank those around you who look after those in need! This day is for them!

Thursday, February 15, 2018

Previous Forecast:

The remainder of yesterday did remain warm, but the winds shifted during the night to a western wind.  Now winds have shifted again to a northwest wind that will cool off the area later today.  Yesterday there was a high temperature of 43°F, the warmest February day so far.  

Current Conditions:

Temperature: 37°F          Feels Like: 31°F
Humidity: 70%
Wind Conditions: NW 8 mph
Precipitation: 10%
Sky Conditions: sunny with clouds moving in
Visibility: 10.0 miles

Today in Eau Claire there is warmer weather than the weather that has been experienced recently in Eau Claire.  Temperatures are still warm from the strong southern winds from the past few days. Winds have shifted however to a Northwest wind to bring temperatures down.  In Figure 1 the shift in winds can be seen and now Northwest winds are blowing into the Eau Claire area. 

Tomorrow's Forecast:

The Eau Claire area is currently experiencing warm weather conditions, however with a shift in winds the sub polar jet will dip down into Eau Claire bringing some cooler temperatures with some possible precipitation this evening.  I expect this to make temperatures back closer to zero by Friday morning.  The surface map in Figure 2 shows how a high pressure system will be moving into the area today bringing cooler temperatures.

Figure 2. Surface map of the United States for today.

Daily National Holiday: 

Today is National Wisconsin Day!  As a Wisconsinite myself I sure plan on celebrating by eating some cheese and a beer brat! If you are from the dairy state make sure you show some pride too!

Wednesday, February 14, 2018

Previous Forecast:

The remainder of yesterday did remain warm and the southern wind did continue yesterday and continue into today.  Temperatures as expected have risen significantly.

Current Conditions:

Temperature: 23°F          Feels Like: 23°F
Humidity: 83%
Wind Conditions: SSE 2 mph
Precipitation: 10%
Sky Conditions: sunny with clear skies
Visibility: 5.0 miles

Today in Eau Claire there is the warmest weather of the month of February so far.  As seen in Figure 1 high temperatures for the day are expected to reach the forties.  The lows for the day are in the mid twenties, which has been the highest the temperature has gotten all month.  Temperatures haven't risen above freezing in about three weeks, but that cycle will be broken today.  Southern winds continue to come in from the south in the Gulf of Mexico as seen in Figure 2.   

Figure 1. High temperatures in the Midwest today.

Figure 2. Map showing wind direction and speeds across the United States today.

Tomorrow's Forecast:

The Eau Claire area is currently experiencing warm southern winds leading to warm weather conditions.  The surface map in Figure 3 shows a high pressure font will be moving into the area.  I expect temperatures tomorrow to be cooler than today but still be warm.  I expect temperatures in the low thirties tomorrow. 

Figure 3. Surface map of the United States for today.

A follow up on Cyclone Gita mentioned yesterday.  The cyclone battered southern Fuji and it was the worst storm Tonga had experienced in sixty years.  The cyclone left 30 people dead in Tonga and many homes leveled. Gita has been upgraded to a category five storm and is heading toward New Caledonia. The storms path so far, as well as an expected future path is shown in Figure 4.

Figure 4.  Cyclone Gita's past path and foretasted track in the Atlantic. 

Daily National Holiday: 

Today is Valentine's Day!  Remember to tell those you love how much they mean to you!  Go on a walk and get outside with someone special and enjoy the weather expected to be close to 40°F.  And eat a lot of chocolate... always chocolate!

Tuesday, February 13, 2018

Previous Forecast:

The remainder of yesterday did remain cold, but the snow prediction was incorrect.  A stong southern wind came in shifting the jet stream north making the snow occurring in Canada stay north of the Eau Claire area preventing a snow event here.  This can be seen in Figure 1 below.  Today is following the predictions for warmer weather conditions.  Temperatures have risen significantly from yesterday.

Figure 1. Surface map of the United States today.

Current Conditions:

Temperature: 22°F          Feels Like: 9°F
Humidity: 50%
Wind Conditions: S 13 mph
Precipitation: 0%
Sky Conditions: cloudy
Visibility: 10.0 miles

Today in Eau Claire there is warmer weather than the past few days.  Temperatures are in the twenties for only the second time this month.  Strong southern winds visible in Figure 2 below are bringing in the warmer air and bringing in the warming trend. 

Figure 2. Map showing the wind direction and speeds across the United States today.

Tomorrow's Forecast:

The Eau Claire area is currently experiencing warmer weather conditions. There continues to be a warm southern wind today that I expect to continue for the rest of the day today.  The continuation of southern wind will make for warmer temperatures tomorrow as well.

An interesting weather occurrence that is occurring across the globe is Cyclone Gita which is predicted to wreck havoc on Fiji and Tonga in the Pacific ocean. The predicted path of the cyclone can be seen in Figure 3 below.  Will follow up in the up coming days with the actual impact of the cyclone. 

Figure 3. Predicted path of Cyclone Gita in the Pacific Ocean near Tonga and Fiji.

Daily National Holiday: 

Today is Fat Tuesday! Get out those mardi gras beads and eat some sweets!

Monday, February 12, 2018

Previous Forecast:

The remainder of Saturday did remain cold and continued to be cold into Sunday.  Monday so far is even colder than it was the past few days.  Every day of February in Eau Claire so far has been below average temperatures.

Current Conditions:

Temperature: -2°F          Feels Like: -2°F
Humidity: 79%
Wind Conditions: WNW 5 mph
Precipitation: 0%
Sky Conditions: partly to mostly sunny
Visibility: 0.05 miles

Today in Eau Claire it is cold, which has become the typical weather conditions this month.  We are currently in a high pressure system which can be seen in Figure 1 below.  This high pressure system is bringing sunny skies but cold temperatures. 

Figure 1. Surface map of the United States for today.

Tomorrow's Forecast:

The Eau Claire area is currently experiencing cold weather conditions and I expect these to continue into tomorrow.  In the image above from NOAA it can be seen that there is some possible snow occurring to the northwest in Canada.  This weather will follow the jet stream and will be in the Eau Claire area in a few days.  Long term predictions are that the Eau Claire area has some snow coming and with that will take us out of the high pressure zone and bring some warmer temperatures.

Daily National Holiday: 

Today is National Plum Pudding Day!  Can't believe this is a national holiday and I for one will not be celebrating.  But, if plum pudding is your desert of choice, make sure to celebrate!

Saturday, February 10, 2018

Previous Forecast:

The remainder of yesterday remained cold as predicted.  Today is not following the predictions that were made yesterday.  Temperatures have significantly rose.  Concerning the snow storm that occurred in the southern half of the state and northern Illinois there were great snow accumulations.  Chicago received a total of 6 inches yesterday and the Kenosha, Wisconsin area received 9 inches of snow.

Current Conditions:

Temperature: 15°F          Feels Like: 6°F
Humidity: 44%
Wind Conditions: WSW 8 mph
Precipitation: 0%
Sky Conditions: sunny clear skies
Visibility: 10.0 miles

Today in Eau Claire there is warmer weather than the past few days.  Temperatures are in the teens and there is a sunny clear sky.  The high temperatures for the day can be seen in Figure 1.

Figure 1. High temperatures in the Midwest today.

Tomorrow's Forecast:

The Eau Claire area is currently experiencing warmer weather conditions.  I believe these conditions will hold for the rest of the day today and fall during the night.  Tomorrow I expect the warm temperatures to return.

Daily National Holiday: 

Today is National Umbrella Day!  Unfortunately there is no rain with zero chance of precipitation!! Guess we can't celebrate this one! Heres to wishing for warmer spring days with rain!

Friday, February 9, 2018

Previous Forecast:

The remainder of yesterday did remain cold and continue to be cold in Eau Claire.  A snow storm did hit southern Wisconsin and no snow was experienced in Eau Claire.

Current Conditions:

Temperature: 9°F          Feels Like: -3°F
Humidity: 51%
Wind Conditions: WNW 8 mph
Precipitation: 0%
Sky Conditions: clear sunny skies
Visibility: 10.0 miles

Today in Eau Claire there temperatures have warmed slightly, but it remains to be cold.    There are clear sunny skies in Eau Claire.  As seen in the map below in Figure 1, all exciting weather events are currently occurring in the southern half of the state.

Figure 1. Weather conditions currently being experienced in the Midwest.

Tomorrow's Forecast:

Below average temperatures are expected to continue for the next few days in the Eau Claire area.  I believe the cold weather conditions will hold for the rest of the day today.

Daily National Holiday: 

Today is National Bagel and National Pizza Day!  Looks like two of your meals are decided for the day! A bagel for breakfast and pizza for dinner! Whether you like deep dish or New York thin crust make sure to grab a slice to celebrate our love for pizza.

Thursday, February 8, 2018

Previous Forecast:

The remainder of yesterday did remain cold and got colder in the evening as predicted.  Today is following the predictions that were made yesterday.  Temperatures continue to be cold for today.

Current Conditions:

Temperature: 4°F          Feels Like: -8°F
Humidity: 84%
Wind Conditions: WSW 7 mph
Precipitation: 10%
Sky Conditions: sunny with clear skies
Visibility: 9.0 miles

Today in Eau Claire there is experiencing continental polar weather with cold and dry conditions.  Eau Claire has sunny, clear skies with temperatures right around zero.  The Eau Claire area is not predicted to receive any snow, even though counties to the south are expecting large snowfalls later today, seen in Figure 1.

Figure 1. The 12 hour snow probability forecast for the Midwest for today.

Tomorrow's Forecast:

The Eau Claire area is currently experiencing cold weather conditions.  I believe these conditions will hold for the rest of the day today, tomorrow I expect more cold temperatures.  Eau Clare is just missing an Alberta Clipper storm coming down from Alberta, Canada following the pattern of the jet stream.  This storm will bring a lot of snow to the Great Lakes area as seen in Figure 2 below, Chicago is predicted to receive 18 inches of snow.  Eau Claire however is outside of this jet stream path and is not predicted to receive any of this snow.

Figure 2. Forecast for tonight predicting a large snowstorm to run along much of the north/central United States.

Daily National Holiday: 

Today is National Kite Flying Day!  There is a slight wind at about 7 mph so if you catch the right breeze you might be able to get a kite off of the ground.  Probably not worth freezing in the cold to celebrate.  Might need to postpone this celebration till the spring!

Wednesday, February 7, 2018

Previous Forecast:

The remainder of yesterday did remain cold as predicted.  It snowed overnight with a total accumulation of about an inch.  Today is not following the predictions that were made yesterday.  Temperatures have rose slightly and there appears to be a break in the cold spell.

Current Conditions:

Temperature: 6°F          Feels Like: 6°F
Humidity: 78%
Wind Conditions: W 2 mph
Precipitation: 20%
Sky Conditions: cloudy and sunny
Visibility: 6.0 miles

Today in Eau Claire there is warmer weather than the past few days.  Temperatures are slightly higher than previous days and there is cloudy and sunny sky.  An inch of fresh snow covers the ground from a snowfall last night.  The high temperatures for the day are shown in Figure 1. 

Figure 1. High temperatures in the Midwest for today. 

Tomorrow's Forecast:

 I believe that the warmer weather conditions we experienced will not hold for the rest of the day.  I expect that the temperature will drop through the day, especially at night. I believe the snow will hold off for a couple days and return to the area this weekend.

Daily National Holiday: 

Today is National Girls and Women in Sports Day!  Ladies get out and play some sports to celebrate! Maybe stick to some indoor activities given the cold weather, maybe an indoor swim or a pick up indoor basket ball game!

Tuesday, February 6, 2018

Previous Forecast:

The remainder of yesterday did remain cold as was predicted.  Today is also following the predictions that were made by continuing to be cold with sunny skies.

Current Conditions:

Temperature: 4°F          Feels Like: -4°F
Humidity: 58%
Wind Conditions: W 4 mph
Precipitation: 0%
Sky Conditions: sunny clear skies
Visibility: 10.0 miles

Today is another frigid day in Eau Claire.  Skies remain clear and sunny but temperatures remain around zero again today.  Winds are making it feel colder than it actually is right now.  The clear sunny skies are consistent with the fact we are currently in a high pressure continental polar air mass.  In the surface map below in Figure 1, it can be seen we are in a high pressure system which is resulting in the cold temperatures we are experiencing.   

Figure 1. Surface map of the United States for today.

Tomorrow's Forecast:

The Eau Claire area is currently experiencing several days of cold and I expect that this will continue tomorrow.  I believe these conditions will hold for the rest of the day today as well.  Also a winter storm is terrorizing the east coast an is moving westward.  Seen in the map below in Figure 2.  Wisconsin may experience some effects later in the week.

Figure 2. Weather patterns currently occurring across the U.S.

Daily National Holiday: 

Today is National Frozen Yogurt Day!  It might be a little too cold to celebrate with this frozen dessert today.  Maybe postpone celebrating this day till warmer days!

Monday, February 5, 2018

Previous Forecast:

For the remained of Saturday I was correct in predicting snow.  On Saturday there was a total accumulation of 3.1 inches of snow.  I also was correct in predicting the colder temperatures to return to Eau Claire.  On Sunday the average temperature was 2 degrees and there was no snow or precipitation. 

Current Conditions:

Temperature: 2°F          Feels Like: 2°F
Humidity: 67%
Wind Conditions: SSW 2 mph
Precipitation: 0%
Sky Conditions: Partly cloudy
Visibility: 10.0 miles

Today is another frigid day in Eau Claire.  Skies remain cloudy with the sun only peaking through.  Low wind speeds help keep the temperatures above zero but just barely.  The cold temperatures being experienced are below average compared to previous years.  The high temperatures of the day are shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1. High temperatures in the Midwest for today.

Tomorrow's Forecast:

The Eau Claire area is currently experiencing several days of cold and I expect that this will continue tomorrow.  I believe these conditions will hold for the rest of the day today as well.

Daily National Holiday: 

Today is National Weather Person's Day!  I am celebrating accordingly by writing a weather report.  Make sure to watch the weather report on the news and make sure to thank your local weatherman for their service!

Saturday, February 3, 2018

Previous Forecast:

Some of the remainder of yesterday did remain cold, but temperatures rose in the late afternoon and a snowfall began in the evening.  There was a total accumulation on 0.3 inches of snow yesterday.   Today is not following the predictions that were made yesterday.  Temperatures have significantly rose and there is a light snowfall holding constant so far today. 

Current Conditions:

Temperature: 16°F          Feels Like: 16°F
Humidity: 88%
Wind Conditions: SW 5 mph
Precipitation: 80%
Sky Conditions: cloudy and overcast
Visibility: 0.05 miles

Today in Eau Claire there is warmer weather than the past few days.  Temperatures are in the teens and there is an overcast sky.  There has been a constant light snowfall all morning and into the afternoon.  The forecast for the amount of snow the Eau Claire region will receive is shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1. Forecast of snow amounts for Wisconsin and Minnesota for today.

Tomorrow's Forecast:

The Eau Claire area is currently experiencing snowy weather conditions.  I believe these conditions will hold for the rest of the day today, tomorrow I expect the snow to stop and for cold temperatures to return.

Daily National Holiday: 

Today is National Carrot Cake Day!  Make sure you get yourself a slice of carrot cake to celebrate! Maybe if your are not a fan just get yourself a slice of carrot cake, hold the carrots!

Friday, February 2, 2018

Previous Forecast:

The remainder of yesterday did remain cold as was predicted.  Today is also following the predictions that were made by continuing to be cold with sunny skies.

Current Conditions:

Temperature: 0°F          Feels Like: -11°F
Humidity: 63%
Wind Conditions: SW 5 mph
Precipitation: 20%
Sky Conditions: sunny clear skies
Visibility: 10.0 miles

Today is another frigid day in Eau Claire.  Skies remain clear and sunny but temperatures remain around zero again today.  Similar cold weather patterns can be seen between today's weather map and yesterdays, including the cold patch of weather looming over Eau Claire.  Today compared to yesterday the cooler temperatures are moving north in the area, which might lead to some warmer temperatures if this trend continues.  The high temperatures for the day can be seen in Figure 1.

Figure 1. High temperatures for the day in the Midwest. 

Tomorrow's Forecast:

The Eau Claire area is currently experiencing several days of cold and I expect that this will continue tomorrow.  I believe these conditions will hold for the rest of the day today as well.

Daily National Holiday: 

Today is National Groundhog Day!  Did Punxsutawney Phil see his shadow?   Unfortunately he did, so according to Phil we can expect 6 more weeks of winter!