Saturday March 31, 2018

Previous Forecast:

The remainder of yesterday did remain in the typical range of temperatures that have been common in Eau Claire this March.  There was a high temperature of 42°F and a low temperature of 18°F.  The Eau Claire area received 2 inches of snow and 0.01 inches of rain in last nights snow storm.  There were greater snow accumulations to the north of Eau Claire.   

Current Conditions:

Temperature: 26°F          Feels Like: 13°F
Humidity: 78%
Wind Conditions: N 17 mph
Precipitation: 30%
Sky Conditions: overcast
Visibility: 9.0 miles

      Today in Eau Claire there are colder temperatures then after recovering from last nights winter storm.  The sky is overcast with no sunshine.  There might be some lingering rain and snow events this morning.  The strong northern wind is keeping Eau Claire cold.  Wind gusts could get up to 20 to 40 mph today.  Temperature highs should only reach low thirties today.  The surface map in Figure 1 shows that Eau Claire is located in a Low pressure system today, which attributes to the cloudy skies and snow.      

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

Tomorrow's Forecast:

I believe the cold and blustery weather conditions currently being experienced in Eau Claire will hold for the rest of the day with continued overcast skies.  I expect the skies to clear and the sunshine to return for Easter tomorrow, but temperatures should remain cold.  Tonight temperatures are expected to drop significantly below freezing.  In Figure 2 it is shown that temperatures tonight in Eau Claire should be around 8°F.  long term forecast shows that Eau Claire is expecting more snow early next week on Monday and Tuesday.  Here's to hoping April brings some warmer weather that actually feels like spring!  But is looking like the first days of April will not be bringing spring conditions.       

Figure 2. Predicted low temperatures of the Twin Cities and surrounding areas for tonight and tomorrow morning. 

Daily National Holiday: 

Today is National Tater Day! Whether you like them mashed, baked, scalloped, totted, sweet, or fried make sure to get your hands on one of these potato delicacies today to celebrate!

Friday, March 30, 2018

Previous Forecast:

The remainder of yesterday did continue to have mild temperatures ranging from forty degrees and low twenties.  However, there were no rain or snow showers like predicted.  The day remained dry with no precipitation.  The precipitation may have gotten delayed because it is in the forecast for today.

Current Conditions:

Temperature: 32°F          Feels Like: 26°F
Humidity: 56%
Wind Conditions: S 7 mph
Precipitation: 10%
Sky Conditions: sunny with partial clouds
Visibility: 10.0 miles

      Today in Eau Claire there are similar temperatures to yesterday.  The sky is mostly sunny with only a few scattered clouds.  Today Eau Claire is involved in a low pressure system shown in the surface map in Figure 1.  The surface map in Figure 1 also shows that there is some snow expected for the area today.   In Figure 2 the major dip in the continental polar air mass can be seen, which is bringing in the snow expected for today. 
  

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

Figure 2. Map of the jet stream across the United States today. 

Tomorrow's Forecast:

I believe the weather conditions currently being experienced in Eau Claire will hold for the morning and the afternoon will cool.  In Figure 3 the snow accumulations and locations that are under warning for the storm are shown. As seen in Figure 3 the majority of the storm is expected to impact northern areas of Eau Claire, but there should be some impacts seen in the Eau Claire area.  The close proximity to the Chippewa Valley area Eau Claire has results in expectations that Eau Claire should experience a mix of snow and rain.  Total accumulation predictions for Eau Claire is between one to two inches and about a quarter inch of rainfall.  The storm is expected to move out of the area quickly on Saturday morning and leave tomorrow mostly dry with strong winds. 

Figure 3. Predictions for the winter storm expected to hit the Twin Cities and surrounding areas this evening

Daily National Holiday: 

Today is National Doctors Day! Whether Today is dedicated to recognizing our health care providers who work hard to keep us healthy.  An apple a day can only keep us so healthy!

Thursday, March 29, 2018

Previous Forecast:

The remainder of yesterday did continue to be a very warm day in Eau Claire.  The high temperature for the day reached 54°F.  The first fifty degree weather day of 2018!!  The snow depth in Eau Claire is now zero with no snow on the ground.  There were no precipitation events as predicted, but temperatures dropped overnight and today is making to be a significantly cooler day than yesterday.

Current Conditions:

Temperature: 30°F          Feels Like: 21°F
Humidity: 61%
Wind Conditions: N 10 mph
Precipitation: 0%
Sky Conditions: sunny and clear
Visibility: 10.0 miles

      Today in Eau Claire there are colder temperatures then yesterday.  The sky is sunny with clear skies.  As shown in Figure 1 below Eau Claire today is in a high pressure system bringing in cooler temperatures.  A dip in the continental polar air mass from winds shifting from the north has brought these cooler temperatures.  In Figure 2 the strong winds coming from the north can be seen.     

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

Figure 2. Map of the surface winds across the United States today. 

Tomorrow's Forecast:

I believe the weather conditions currently being experienced in Eau Claire will hold for the morning and warm to low forties during the day.  Typical highs in late March are in the upper forties, but as expected for this cooler spring we will not hit those temperatures today.  Tomorrow is expected to have similar weather conditions as today but there are expected snow and rain showers that should hit during the late afternoon.  This is shown in the 36-hour forecast in Figure 3. 

Figure 3. Predicted 36-hour forecast for the United States. 

Daily National Holiday: 
 Today is National Nevada Day! If you are from this state of casinos, resorts, and wild mustangs be sure to celebrate! I've never been to Nevada myself, but it is sure on my bucket list!

Wednesday, March 28, 2018

Previous Forecast:

The remainder of yesterday did continue to be another mild weather day with temperatures ranging between the forties and high twenties.  The day remained dry with no precipitation.  Today is on track to be the first fifty degree weather day of 2018 in Eau Claire.  

Current Conditions:

Temperature: 41°F          Feels Like: 35°F
Humidity: 65%
Wind Conditions: S 10 mph
Precipitation: 0%
Sky Conditions: clear sunny skies
Visibility: 10.0 miles

      Today in Eau Claire there are warmer temperatures then yesterday.  The sky is sunny no cloud cover.  Today most likely with these weather conditions will melt the few remaining snow patched in the shadows of Eau Claire.  Today so far has been the mildest weather day Eau Claire has experienced all spring.  It is predicted that today will be the first fifty degree weather day of 2018 for Eau Claire.  In the surface map in Figure 1 it is shown that a low pressure system might be moving into the area along with some rain and snow.  This dip in the cold front from Canada will make the warm weather currently being experienced may be short lived.  The southeastern United States is being terrorized by rain and thunderstorms which seems to be the trend of the months of February and March this year. 
           

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 morning and temperatures will drop in the late afternoon as the cold weather front comes in from Canada.  The forecast map in Figure 2 predicts some rain in the Eau Claire area tonight.  I believe the area will reach fifty degrees before the cooler weather and rain moves into the area. 

Figure 2. The 12-hour forecast map for the United States today.

Daily National Holiday: 

Today is National Manatee Appreciation Day! Today is designated to show respect for this endangered species.  There are currently 3,200 manatees living in the United States.  During winter months manatees make the Florida coasts their homes.  Manatees die and get severely injured every year due to speedboats hitting them.  Manatees cannot hear low frequency sounds from speedboats which makes them vulnerable to crashes since they cannon hear the boats approaching. Today is dedicated to the sea cow!   

Tuesday, March 27, 2018

Previous Forecast:

The remainder of yesterday did continue to have mild temperatures in low forties and in the thirties. It began to rain in the early evening at about 4:30 pm.  The rain ended late at night and this morning has been dry with overcast skies.  There was a total of 0.15 inches of rain that came down yesterday. The Eau Claire area still currently has one inch of snow still on the ground. 

Current Conditions:

Temperature: 35°F          Feels Like: 27°F
Humidity: 92%
Wind Conditions: W 10 mph
Precipitation: 10%
Sky Conditions: mostly cloudy
Visibility: 9.0 miles

      Today in Eau Claire temperatures are very similar to yesterday.  The sky is mostly cloudy.   The surface map in Figure 1 shows that in the south central of the United States in Missouri, Texas and Arkansas there are major thunderstorms and flooding occurring.  These rain events are occurring just along the south of a stationary front.  At this front southern and northern winds are converging as shown in Figure 2.  The winds coming from the south are blowing over the Gulf of Mexico bringing moisture and serving as the fuel source for the storm.  The western winds blowing into Eau Claire today should bring in some dryer air.       

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

Figure 2. Map of the surface winds across the United States today. 

Tomorrow's Forecast:

I believe the weather conditions currently being experienced in Eau Claire will hold for the rest of the morning and the rest of the day.  The western winds blowing into Eau Claire are bringing in some dry air so the weather for the rest of the day should not result in precipitation.  Tomorrow it is predicted that a weak high pressure system should move down from the northeast bringing a cold front into the area.  Looks like the Eau Claire area will have to wait a little while longer yet to see its first 50 degee weather day.   

Daily National Holiday: 

Today is National Joe Day! This day goes out to Professor Joe Hupy!  Make sure to celebrate with him or another Joe over a cup of joe!

Monday, March 26, 2018

Previous Forecast:

Spring break is over and I am back in Eau Claire.  The Eau Claire weather while I was away has been cold with maximum temperatures not reaching above mid forties and minimum temperatures ranging in the teens and low twenties.  All of the average temperatures for the days I was gone were in the thirties.  There was no snowfall while I was away and the snow depth has slowly been decreasing.  There is now only one inch of snow on the ground.  Spring is on its way!

Current Conditions:

Temperature: 38°F          Feels Like: 30°F
Humidity: 52%
Wind Conditions: SE 12 mph
Precipitation: 10%
Sky Conditions: partly cloudy
Visibility: 10.0 miles

      Today in Eau Claire there are comparable temperatures to the past few days with temperatures in the thirties.  The sky is mostly cloudy.  It should continue to be another dry day, even though there are some rain and snow events occurring to the north and west of the Eau Claire area shown in the surface map in Figure 1.  There some southeastern wind coming into the area, but the jet stream shown in Figure 2 shows that it is coming into the area from the southwest.  Either way, the southern wind will bring some warmer weather temperatures into the Eau Claire area.  These southern winds should hold off the wind to the north of Eau Claire through today.

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

Figure 2. Map of the jet stream across the United States today. 

Tomorrow's Forecast:

I believe the weather conditions currently being experienced in Eau Claire will hold for the rest of the day, with temperatures in the thirties and forties.  I believe all rain will hold off for the rest of the day and the Eau Claire area will remain dry.  As shown in Figure 3, there should be no snowfall or rainfall in Eau Claire today.  This remains similar to the way the weather for the month has been.  The last time the Eau Claire area received any significant precipitation was on March 6th.  Every form of precipitation this month has been in the form of snow.  Tomorrow there is expected to me some rain as a low pressure front moves into the area. 

Figure 3. Predicted snow accumulations and rainfall for the Twin Cities and surrounding areas.

Daily National Holiday: 

Today is National Epilepsy Day!  This day has also become known as "Purple Day".  People today are encouraged to wear purple to bring awareness to the neurological disorder of epilepsy.  This condition is characterized by repeated and sudden cases of loss of consciousness or seizures that are caused by disturbances in the electrical activity in the brain.  This condition effects 50 million people world wide.  This condition is treatable but in more remote parts of the world it is hard to get access to treatment.  Make sure to wear purple today to bring awareness to epilepsy.   

SPRING BREAK: March 15 to March 24

I was in Cincinnati (OH), Chattanooga (TN), and Knoxville (TN) as a part of the Geography 368: Field Seminar class over spring break (March 15 to March 24).  These are the weather conditions and fun events experienced on the trip.

Cincinnati: March 15 to March 16

The weather while in Cincinnati was slightly warmer than Wisconsin weather with temperatures in the forties.  Skies were sunny during the day but wind kept the days cool.  Western winds of around 11.0 mph blew on Thursday, March 15th and northeast winds at about 8 mph blew on Friday.  Clear night skies made for morning temperatures close to freezing.  The daily summaries of weather conditions for the two days is shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1. Daily weather summaries for Thursday, March 15th and Friday, March 16th 

in Cincinnati, OH. 

In Cincinnati, OH the Geography 368 class visited the Underground Railroad Museum and learned about gentrification in the developing neighborhoods surrounding the city.  Figure 2 and Figure 3 show the weather conditions as they were experienced on these days.  In Figure 2 it can be seen that everyone in the class is in winter jackets because it was cold in Cincinnati.  Also a flag blowing in the wind shows how windy it was on this day.  In Figure 3 it is shown how cloud covered and overcast the skies were in our days in Cincinnati.   

Figure 2. The Geography 368 class in Cincinnati posed with a statue of a pig on display along the Ohio River bank on Friday, March 16th.

Figure 3. The Geography 368 class posing with an art display in downtown Cincinnati on Friday, March 16th.  The Underground Rail Road Museum is the brown building seen in the back center of the image.

Chattanooga: March 17 to March 21

The weather while in Chattanooga was wet with some limited sun.  Scattered thunderstorms and rain showers were common in the area during the trip as shown in Figure 4..  The nicest day of the trip was Sunday, March 18th because there was no rain and temperatures were warm enough to not need a jacket.  Rain jackets were worn and spitting rain was experienced for a significant amount of the trip.  The heaviest rain showers were experienced on Monday, March 19th.  The storm consisted of very clouded skies that prevented the group from getting to go to the top of Lookout Mountain due to the fact nothing would be visible at the bottom of the mountain from the top.  There would have been no view.  We were able to get the view the next day after the majority of the storm cleared.

Figure 4. Daily weather summaries for Saturday, March 17th through Wednesday, March 21st 

in Chattanooga, TN. 

In Chattanooga, TN the Geography 368 class visited the Chattanooga Aquarium, Art Museum, battlefield of the Civil War Battle of Chickamauga, the TVA to discuss using LiDAR for power line instalations, a TVA dam and the top of Lookout Mountain.  There were several other things completed but these were the main highlights of these five days.  Figure 5 and Figure 6 are from Sunday, March 18th.  In Figure 5 clear sunny skies can be seen with no clouds.  All of the students are in t-shirts and shorts.  This was the warmest day of the trip.  Figure 6 was taken later in the day and it can be seen that could cover moved in during the day with the overcast sky in the image.  Temperatures remained warm however through the day.  Wednesday, March 21st was spent touring the TVA Dam shown in Figure 7.  It can be seen in the image the heavy could cover.  This day was very cold to be outside, especially standing on top of the dam where wind speeds were higher.  A picture of the view from Lookout Mountain is shown in Figure 8.  The class went to the top of lookout mountain on Tuesday, March 20th.  As shown in the picture there were still overcast skies, but the rain and thunderstorms had cleared enough to see the view below. 

Figure 5. The Geography 368 class outside of the Tennessee Aquarium on Sunday, March 18th. 

Figure 6. Geography 368 students debriefing after the day at the aquarium and art museum in a local park on Sunday, March 18th. 

Figure 7.  TVA Dam we toured on Wednesday, March 21st.

Figure 8. The view from the top of lookout mountain, taken on Tuesday March 20th.

Knoxville: March 22 to March 24
 
The weather in Knoxville while we were there was cooler than Chattanooga, but still pleasant.  Friday, March 23 the weather we experienced contradicts that in the weather report in Figure 9.  We did not experience any rain, we had an overcast day.  Tour guides we had in Knoxville said that the days we were there were the coldest days they had had in weeks.  The weather we experienced the few days we were in the area were not typical spring weather days in Knoxville.   

Figure 9. Daily weather summaries for Thursday, March 22nd through Saturday, March 24th

in Knoxville, TN. 

In Knoxville the Geography 368 class toured the geography department at the University of Tennessee: Knoxville, toured the history museum of Eastern Tennessee, and visited Smokey Mountain National Park.  The class went to the Smokey Mountain National Park on Friday, March 23rd.  Pictures from the part are in Figure 10 and Figure 11.  The weather report above in Figure 9 states there was rain on this day, but there was no rain experienced by the class on this day in the park.  Instead there were just overcast skies shown in Figure 10 and Figure 11.  In Figure 10 it can be seen that there was snow at the higher elevations in the park and no snow in the lower elevations in the lower elevations of the park shown in Figure 11.  Elevation played a big difference in temperature in the park.

Figure 10. The Smokey Mountains in Smokey Mountain National Park on Friday, March 23rd.

Figure 11. The Geography 368 class posing at the entrance of the Smokey Mountain National Park on Friday, March 23rd.

Saturday, March 24th was a travel day heading back to Eau Claire.  In the morning in Knoxville there was raining thunderstorms.  We had to take a different route than originally planned to take home due to winter storm Uma.  We rerouted to not take a path cutting back through Ohio and Indiana as that was the exact placement of the winter storm shown in Figure 12.  We instead took a route from Knoxville to Nashville and moved North through Illinois.  We could not completely avoid the storm because we had to cross it at some point to head north towards Eau Claire.  Below in Figure 13 and Figure 14 the winter storm from the view in the car driving through can be seen.  Visibility and road conditions were terrible.  Over 30 cars and 8 semis were seen in the ditch.  The Illinois part of the storm averaged 12 inches of snow fall.  

Figure 12.  The snowfall accumulation of winter storm Uma on Saturday, March 24th.

Figure 13. View of the snowfall coming down from inside the car as driving through Illinois on Saturday, March 24th. 

Figure 14. The bad viability and road conditions while driving through winter storm Uma in Illinois on Saturday, March 24th.

Wednesday, March 14, 2018

Previous Forecast:

The remainder of yesterday did continue to be cold, but temperatures did not warm for today as predicted.  Yesterday temperatures rose to 37°F, but must have cooled significantly overnight because temperatures this morning are significantly colder than the minimum temperature of 23°F of yesterday.   

Current Conditions:

Temperature: 19°F          Feels Like: 19°F
Humidity: 46%
Wind Conditions: 0 mph
Precipitation: 0%
Sky Conditions: sunny with partial clouds
Visibility: 10.0 miles

      Today in Eau Claire there are colder temperatures then yesterday.  The sky is mostly sunny with only a few scattered clouds.  it should continue to be another dry day.  The surface map in Figure 1 shows that the high pressure system that has been hanging over the Midwest has moved out.  There is no wind, but the jet stream shown in Figure 2 shows that it is still coming into the area from the north.  These should be our last few days of winter and spring should set into the area soon.      

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

Figure 2. Map of the jet stream across the United States today. 

Tomorrow's Forecast:

I believe the weather conditions currently being experienced in Eau Claire will hold for the morning and warm from the sunlight and no wind as the day continues.  The high pressure system has moved out of the Midwest which should lead to some warmer temperatures headed our way.  The nor'easter storm coming into the New England area on the northeast coast hit and there were some unfavorable events that resulted from the storm.  There were 1,025 flights were canceled yesterday and another 130 were canceled for today, making traveling for anyone with a flight difficult.  The storm hit the area with blizzard like conditions and there was up to an accumulation of 2 feet of snow.

Daily National Holiday: 

Today is National Pi (3.14) Day! How many numbers of pi do you have memorized? Here is a good start: 3.14159265359.  I always celebrate it with a slice of pie so it is a favorite day of mine!

Tuesday, March 13, 2018

Previous Forecast:

The remainder of yesterday did not continue the way that was previously predicted.  Temperatures remained in the twenties and thirties.  The average for the day was 31°F.  The deep upper trough over Wisconsin of the continental polar air mass shifting downward.  Today however the Eau Claire area is experiencing the colder temperatures that were predicted yesterday.  The cold temperatures must have set in last night instead of during the day as predicted.    

Current Conditions:

Temperature: 28°F          Feels Like: 17°F
Humidity: 49%
Wind Conditions: N 14 mph
Precipitation: 0%
Sky Conditions: sunny with clear skies
Visibility: 10.0 miles

      Today in Eau Claire there are colder temperatures than yesterday due to the fact that we are in a high pressure system shown in Figure 1.  This high pressure system is causing the cold temperatures, dry, and clear sunny skies weather the Eau Claire area is currently experiencing.  In Figure 1 it can be seen that the east coast is experiencing a big snow event and the west coast is experiencing some heavy rain.  It can also be seen in Figure 1 that the Rocky mountains are creating a stationary front out west separating high and low pressures.  The north winds that are blowing into the Eau Claire area shown in Figure 2.  These north winds are also contributing to the cold temperatures in Eau Claire.   

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

Figure 2. Map of the jet stream across the United States today.

Tomorrow's Forecast:

I believe the weather conditions currently being experienced in Eau Claire will not last long.  Today I predict will be the last cold day we will experience this spring that feels like winter weather conditions.  As seen in the jet stream map in Figure 2 in the west there are western winds blowing, as that weather moves our way we will get warmer temperatures.  There is currently a nor'easter storm building off the northeast coast of the United States.  Areas closest to the coast are under blizzard warning and the closer you move inland are under storm warnings and storm advisories.  In Figure 3 the predicted wind speeds coming from the storm are predicted for the effected area on the East coast.  Winds are expected to reach a dangerous 68 mph maximum along the coast. 

Figure 3. Maximum wind speeds that can result on the northeast coast from the nor'easter storm building off of the coast..

Daily National Holiday: 

Today is National Good Samaritan Day! Find time to unselfishly help someone in need today!  Hold a door or help jump a car for someone.  Good vibes only today. 

Monday, March 12, 2018

Previous Forecast:

The remainder of Saturday did continue to be cold with increasing temperatures as the day continued.  The temperatures on Saturday reached above freezing for the first time in the past three days.  Sunday was even warmer with no temperatures below 29°F.  This had not happened for the past six days.  There never was a snow event that hit Eau Claire this weekend like the one that was predicted.  The weekend stayed dry with no precipitation events.

Current Conditions:

Temperature: 28°F          Feels Like: 19°F
Humidity: 66%
Wind Conditions: NNW 9 mph
Precipitation: 10%
Sky Conditions: sunny with a few clouds
Visibility: 10.0 miles

      Today in Eau Claire there are warmer temperatures much like yesterday although warmer.  Today is a pleasant early spring-like day.  The skies are sunny and mostly clear with only a few clouds.  There is still a northwest wind coming into the Eau Claire area, bringing colder temperatures.  These conditions will make for some colder temperatures as the day continues.  These warmer temperatures should not continue for long as a deep upper trough has positioned itself over Wisconsin.  As seen in Figure 1 there is a high pressure system trough over Wisconsin.  This can also be seen in the jet stream map in Figure 2 with the large drop down of the continental polar air mass over Wisconsin.  In Figure 3 it is shown that this drop down of the continental polar air mass over the northern United States has lead to cold temperatures staying in these areas.   

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

Figure 2. Jet stream map of the United States for today. 

Figure 3. Temperature map of the high temperatures across the United States Today.  

Tomorrow's Forecast:

I believe the weather conditions currently being experienced in Eau Claire will continue for the rest of the day with continuing decreasing temperatures. The upper flow of cold temperatures should keep the next few days with cold temperatures.  The area should remain free of any precipitation or snow events.  The cold air mass should be moved out of the area by Wednesday allowing for temperatures to rise.

Daily National Holiday: 

Today is National Napping Day!  Following daylight savings day yesterday I am sure we are all feeling a little tired and in need of a nap.  No shame, enjoy yourself a nap to celebrate this national holiday.

Saturday, March 10, 2018

Previous Forecast:

The remainder of Friday did remain cold with overcast skies.  There has been no precipitation yet today or at all last night.  Today has warmed up significantly to above freezing temperatures with cloudy skies.  Cloud cover increased overnight and now Eau Claire has mostly cloudy skies.   

Current Conditions:

Temperature: 37°F          Feels Like: 35°F
Humidity: 79%
Wind Conditions: SSE 3 mph
Precipitation: 20%
Sky Conditions: mostly cloudy
Visibility: 10.0 miles

Today in Eau Claire it is warmer than it has been the past few days with temperatures in the upper thirties.  This warm weather is due to the low pressure system moving into the area from the west.  This can be seen below in the surface map in  Figure 1.  In the map it can also be seen that there should be some snow showers moving to the Eau Claire area later today or tomorrow.  The Southeast wind is also helping by moving warmer air into the area.   

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

Tomorrow's Forecast:

The Eau Claire area is currently experiencing low pressure system weather conditions with cloudy skies and temperatures in the thirties.  I expect this to continue for the rest of the day with increasing temperatures as the day continues.  The 24-hour forecast map below in Figure 2 predicts snow to enter the Eau Claire area in the next 24-hours. 

Figure 2. A 24-hour forecast map of the United States for today.

Daily National Holiday: 

Today is National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Day!  Today is a day dedicated to encouraging women and girls to get tested.  Also it it dedicated to educating women and girls how to be safe and prevent these diseases.  It is always good to be aware.

Friday, March 9, 2018

Previous Forecast:

The remainder of yesterday did remain cold with clear sunny skies.  Today has warmed slightly and with next to no winds is making the temperatures feel significantly warmer than the past few days. 

Current Conditions:

Temperature: 28°F          Feels Like: 28°F
Humidity: 59%
Wind Conditions: W 1 mph
Precipitation: 0%
Sky Conditions: partly to mostly sunny
Visibility: 9.0 miles

Today in Eau Claire it is cold, which has become the typical weather conditions for the past few days.  Today has warmed to be significantly warmer than yesterday.  We are currently in a high pressure system which can be seen in Figure 1 below, leading to the cold temperatures in the area today.  However there are clouds in the sky so it appears Eau Claire is moving out of the high pressure system.  The fact that there are barely any winds in Eau Claire today is allowing for warmer temperatures, and typically westward winds bring warmer temperatures that the northeast winds that have been experienced earlier this week during colder weather days.  The surface winds across the United States today can be seen in Figure 2.  The Eau Claire area is the warmest in all of Wisconsin as shown in Figure 3 due to the lack of winds.  In Figure 1 it can be seen that a snowstorm might be moving into the Eau Claire area soon. 

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

Figure 2. Surface wind patterns across the United States today.

Figure 3. Temperatures across the United States today.

Tomorrow's Forecast:

The Eau Claire area is currently experiencing cold weather conditions and I expect these to continue for the rest of the day.  The lower pressure system coming into the area should make temperatures rise slightly.  Tomorrow a few flurries of snow can be expected as the low pressure system is expected to bring some moisture into the area.

Daily National Holiday: 

Today is National Day of Unplugging!  Try and break away from electronics today and enjoy time with the people around you.  Avoid checking social media and use of electronics and go have some fun!

Thursday, March 8, 2018

Previous Forecast:

The remainder of  yesterday remained cold with sunny skies as predicted.  Yesterday was the coldest day of the month of March so far with an average temperature of 16°F which is 10°F colder than the second coldest day of this month.  Today conditions remain col much like yesterday.   

Current Conditions:

Temperature: 18°F          Feels Like: 8°F
Humidity: 68%
Wind Conditions: W 8 mph
Precipitation: 0%
Sky Conditions: sunny clear skies
Visibility: 10.0 miles

Today in Eau Claire it is cold, which has been the typical weather conditions for the past few days.  Today's weather conditions are nearly the same as yesterday's.  We are currently still in a high pressure system which can be seen in Figure 1 below.  Below average high temperatures are expected for the next few days.  Sunny skies should continue the next few days, a characteristic of high pressure weather.  Today and the next few days should remain dry as well.  Lake effect snow can be sen over Michigan in the surface map in Figure 1.  Fun fact, the weather on this day two years ago reached 70°F.  

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

Tomorrow's Forecast:

The Eau Claire area is currently experiencing cold weather conditions in the current high pressure system that should continue for the next few days.  Temperatures should stay cold and dry with sunny skies.  A clipper type system is expected to enter the area possibly bringing some flurries late in the day on Saturday.  More on that as it gets closer.   

Daily National Holiday: 

Today is International Women's Day!  Today is dedicated to celebrating the cultural, political, social, and economic achievements of women.  Today is also dedicated to bringing awareness to gender inequality.  Make sure to congratulate and recognize the amazing women in your life.

Wednesday, March 7, 2018

Previous Forecast:

The remainder of yesterday did remain cold and snow showers continued until the middle of the afternoon.  An accumulation of 0.6 inches of snow occurred during the morning.  Yesterday had the coldest average temperature for the month of March so far, with an average of 26°F.  Today a high pressure system has moved into the area bringing in clear sunny skies and even colder temperatures than yesterday.     

Current Conditions:

Temperature: 13°F          Feels Like: 13°F
Humidity: 92%
Wind Conditions: 0 mph
Precipitation: 10%
Sky Conditions: clear sunny skies
Visibility: 6.0 miles

Today in Eau Claire it is cold with clear sunny skies.  In Figure 1 the surface map shows that there is a high pressure system present in Eau Claire bringing in these weather conditions.  These weather conditions are dry with no now or precipitation.  Highs today should not get above mid twenties.  A northwest wind is expected to pick up later in the day and bring in some clouds.  The east coast is getting heavy snow falls.  The northeast coast is getting some rain with mixed snow.

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.  I believe the high pressure system will continue in the Eau Claire area for the next couple days bringing cold temperatures and mostly clear skies with no precipitation.  I believe the high pressure system will move out towards the and of the week bringing back temperatures in the thirties. 

Figure 2. 24-hour weather forecast.

Daily National Holiday: 

Today is National Cereal Day!  Whether you are a Cheerios, Fruit Loops, or Raisin Bran person   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

Tuesday, March 6, 2018

Previous Forecast:

The remainder of Saturday did remain cold and the snow began earlier than predicted.  Flurries began to fall from the sky at about 1 pm and continued continuously through the night into today.  It has been snowing almost continuously this morning.  There was a total accumulation of 3.7 inches of snow yesterday, which is a little less than the minimum predicted snowfall of 4 inches.   

Current Conditions:

Temperature: 30°F          Feels Like: 19°F
Humidity: 79%
Wind Conditions: NE 15 mph
Precipitation: 40%
Sky Conditions: overcast
Visibility: 8.0 miles

Today in Eau Claire it is cold with temperatures right around freezing and there has been a continued light snowfall this morning.  Northeastern winds continue through today, which typically bring large snow storms that dump snow on the Eau Claire area, but the occluded front seen in Figure 1 in southern Wisconsin is cutting off the moisture supply to the storm leading to no large snowfall.  In the water vapor map in Figure 2 shows the the occluded front is keeping moisture masses to the south of Eau Claire so the moist air masses can not feed the snow storm in our area.  The winter storm passing over Eau Claire is mostly over, with the worst snow and wind behind us.  Clouds will remain in the area for the rest of today as this low pressure system moves out of the area and a large upper low pressure moves into the area.       
 

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

Figure 2. Water vapor map of the United States for today.  

Tomorrow's Forecast:

The Eau Claire area is currently experiencing cold, snowy, overcast weather conditions and I expect these to continue into tomorrow, except for the snow which I expect to taper off this early afternoon.  I expect the winds to continue to be between 12 to 20 mph and temperatures to remain in the twenties and thirties.  I expect drier air to move in overnight and I expect Wednesday to be windy and partly sunny. 

Daily National Holiday: 

Today is National Oreo Cookie Day!  A day to enjoy those delicious black and white sandwich cookie! Whether you prefer the frosting or the cookie part be sure to eat one to celebrate!

Monday, March 5, 2018

Previous Forecast:

The remainder of Saturday did remain warm and a high of 44°F was reached.  There was an inch of snow depth melted on Saturday.  There was some mild precipitation early Sunday morning with some light snow.  Sunday the temperatures dropped off and did not reach above 39°F.  Due to the early morning precipitation 2 inches of snow were melted.  The current snow depth is currently 2 inches.  Monday so far is colder than it was the past few days with strong eastern winds.

Current Conditions:

Temperature: 34°F          Feels Like: 25°F
Humidity: 48%
Wind Conditions: E 22 mph
Precipitation: 40%
Sky Conditions: partly cloudy and overcast
Visibility: 10.0 miles

Today in Eau Claire it is cold with eastern winds entering the area.  Eau Claire County currently has a winter weather advisory valid from 3 pm today until 12 pm Tuesday.  There is the possibility for light scattered snow showers during the day, but heavier snow is not expected until late afternoon today.  This storm is hard to forecast due to the dry eastern winds a not normal path expected in the Midwest.  These winds are delaying the arrival of the snow storm.  The low bringing snow to the area is coming from the Northern Plains.  The closer to the low the greater snow accumulation is predicted because this type of storm track does not usually bring large snow amounts to the area, but we are expected to get some snow in the area.  The surface map in Figure 1 shows the approaching show storm coming in from the west and the low pressure system moving into the area.  It appears south eastern Unite States is receiving more precipitation, leading to more concern of flooding after last weeks severe floods. 

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 through the day and get colder as the winter storm approaches.  I believe snow accumulations will continue through tonight and stop early tomorrow morning.  I expect Tuesday to be cold and have temperatures in the twenties following the storm.  Figure two shows that the western side of Eau Claire County is expected to receive 6 to 8 inches of snow and the eastern side of Eau Claire County is expected to receive 4 to 6 inches of snow. 

Figure 2. Forecasted snow amounts for the Twin Cities and surrounding areas for today.  

Daily National Holiday: 

Today is National Cheese Doodle Day!  Time to turn those fingers bright orange!  Today we celebrate the delicious cheese coated puffy and crunchy perfect snack food!