Monday, April 30, 2018

Previous Forecast:

The remainder of yesterday did continue the way that was previously predicted.  Warm increasing temperatures continued for the rest of the day yesterday.  However, there was no precipitation which was predicted for later in the day.  Yesterday remained dry.  Today is predicted to be the first eighty degree day and it is likely given it is already 63°F and not even 10:00am yet! 

Current Conditions:

Temperature: 63°F          Feels Like: 63°F
Humidity: 33%
Wind Conditions: S 16 mph
Precipitation: 0%
Sky Conditions: sunny with clear skies
Visibility: 10.0 miles

      Today in Eau Claire there are warm temperatures that are expected to increase through the day.  In the surface map in Figure 1 it can be seen that Eau Claire is expected to be effected by rain and thunderstorms today, in a band of thunderstorms spanning north to south in the central pains of the United States and tailing off in Northern Wisconsin by Eau Claire.  These thunderstorms may hold off during the day today and are expected to occur this evening.however, but will be present at some point in the coming days.  The afternoon highs today should be close to eighties, with strong southern winds bringing in warm air.  These winds can be seen in Figure 2.  The winds are coming from the south in the Gulf of Mexico and north into the direct path that thunderstorms are predicted in Figure 1.  The Gulf of Mexico will serve as the fuel source for the thunderstorm planned to occur today.     

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

Figure 2. Surface winds across the United States today. 

Tomorrow's Forecast:

I believe the weather conditions currently being experienced in Eau Claire will last for the rest of the day with increasing temperatures.  Rain will be expected tonight.  This rain is a good thing as Eau Claire has not had any significant rain events, only snow.  And recently with consecutive sunny and windy days fire hazards have become a concern with the continued dryness.  And hopefully some rain with help green the vegetation that is currently still very brown in color.

Daily National Holiday: 

Today is National Honesty Day Day!  Today is the day to come clean and be honest about something.  Whether you need to be honest to yourself or someone else, today is the day to do it.  No secrets, no lies, only truth today.

Sunday, April 29, 2018

Previous Forecast:

The remainder of Friday did continue the way that was previously predicted.  Warm temperatures continued for the rest of the day Friday.  Temperatures did reach the sixties and was slightly warmer than predicted.  Saturday was cooler than the previous few days with temperatures not reaching sixty. Both days remained dry and overall pleasant.  The next few days are expected to be even warmer with temperatures nearing eighty.

Current Conditions:

Temperature: 53°F          Feels Like: 53°F
Humidity: 25%
Wind Conditions: S 15 mph
Precipitation: 0%
Sky Conditions: sunny with clear skies
Visibility: 10.0 miles

      Today in Eau Claire there are warm temperatures that are expected to increase through the day.  In the surface map in Figure 1 it can be seen that Eau Claire is expected to be effected by rain and thunderstorms today.  These thunderstorms may hold off today, however, but will be present at some point in the coming days.  The afternoon highs today should be close to average in the sixties, with southern winds bringing in warm air. 

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 last for the rest of the day with increasing temperatures.  Rain will be expected if not today, for sure tomorrow.  In Figure 2 it can be seen that Monday night Eau Claire is predicted to receive some general thunderstorms.  Highs for Monday are looking to be mid seventies with breezy warm winds.

Figure 2. Severe weather forecast for Monday night for the Twin Cities and surrounding areas. 

Daily National Holiday: 

Today is National Pet Parents Day!  Today is the day to celebrate if you are the proud mom or dad of a furry, scaled, or feathered child!  The pet is one of the most important parts of any family.  Be sure to pat yourself for parenting one of these little guys and spend some time with your loved family member today.

Friday, April 27, 2018

Previous Forecast:

The remainder of yesterday did continue the way that was previously predicted.  Warm temperatures continued for the rest of the day yesterday.  High temperatures reached 69°F, with an average of 50°F.  The day however, which was not predicted, remained dry with no precipitation which was predicted.  This rain may however be present today instead.  

Current Conditions:

Temperature: 46°F          Feels Like: 43°F
Humidity: 61%
Wind Conditions: S 6 mph
Precipitation: 30%
Sky Conditions: mostly cloudy skies and semi overcast
Visibility: 10.0 miles

      Today in Eau Claire there is predicted to be some rain.  In the surface map in Figure 1 it can be seen that a low pressure system and a band of rain and thunderstorms will be moving into northern Wisconsin and Eau Claire today.  It is expected there will be some scattered showers, but none of them should last very long.  Winds as the low pressure system approaches should increase.  In Figure 2 the current cloud cover on the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire campus can be seen.  These are cumulus humilis clouds because the horizontal axis is longer than the vertical axis.  If the vertical axis grows then rain will become more increasingly likely.       

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

Figure 2. Image of the clouds present on campus this morning. 

Tomorrow's Forecast:

I believe the weather conditions currently being experienced in Eau Claire will last for the rest of the day.  The highs should reach the fifties.  Saturday is now predicted to be the coldest day of the week.  A high pressure system is predicted to move into the area.  Temperatures of tomorrow morning are predicted to be below freezing.  High however should still reach the mid fifties.

Daily National Holiday: 

Today is National Babe Ruth Day!  Today is dedicated to one of the first five baseball players inducted into the hall of fame.  In his career he hit 714 home runs a record that lasted until 1974.  Maybe head out to a baseball game in his honor to remember him to celebrate.  I'm headed to a Twins game tomorrow and will be thinking of Babe!

Thursday, April 26, 2018

Previous Forecast:

The remainder of yesterday did continue the way that was previously predicted.  Warm temperatures continued for the rest of the day yesterday.  Temperatures remained cooler than the previous days with a high reaching only 59°F.  Today is turning out to be warmer and closer to the seventy degree weather experienced earlier in the week.

Current Conditions:

Temperature: 67°F          Feels Like: 67°F
Humidity: 30%
Wind Conditions: W 17 mph
Precipitation: 50%
Sky Conditions: sunny with partly cloudy skies
Visibility: 10.0 miles

      Today in Eau Claire there are warm temperatures much like earlier this week.  In Figure 1 a high pressure system can be seen which was present with cooler temperatures this morning but has since moved east leaving us with the warm temperatures currently being experienced.  In Figure 1 it can be seen the long path of rain and thunder storms running north to south along the Rockies in the West.  High wind gusts are being experienced in the Twin Cities and surrounding areas today, and in Figure 2 it can be seen that Eau Claire is expected to have peak wind gusts of sixteen mines per hour. 

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

Figure 2. Map of the peak gusts of wind today in the Twin Cities and surrounding areas.

Tomorrow's Forecast:

I believe the weather conditions currently being experienced in Eau Claire will last for the rest of the day.  There should be some slight cloud accumulation during the day as cold fronts move down into the area from Canada.  As they come Eau Claire might experience some scattered rain showers.  The weekend is expected to bring some warm temperatures with highs in the fifties on Saturday and warmer temperatures on Saturday.  Both days should be filled with sun.  With it being spring tornado season is upon us and in the GIF in Figure 3 it can be seen that Eau Claire is on the edge of the predicted land areas to experience tornadoes this year, but there is a possibility. 

Figure 3. GIF of the range tornadoes can be expected in the United States in April and May of this year.

Daily National Holiday: 

Today is National South Dakota Day!  Today is designated to those from the land of "Great Faces. Great Places." today is for you.  Make sure to give the land of the Black Hills and Mount Rushmore some respect today.  I visited those places last summer and they are worth the trip.     

Wednesday, April 25, 2018

Previous Forecast:

The remainder of yesterday did continue the way that was previously predicted.  Warm temperatures continued for the rest of the day yesterday.  Yesterday Eau Claire experienced its second 70°F day of 2018.  Today is starting out cooler than yesterday, but is predicted to still be a nice day. 

Current Conditions:

Temperature: 37°F          Feels Like: 31°F
Humidity: 67%
Wind Conditions: NNE 8 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 there is a high pressure system situated over Eau Claire shown in Figure 1.  The high pressure system is bringing cooler temperatures and sunny clear skies.  It can be seen that the northeastern south central portion of the United States is being effected by heavy rain and thunderstorms today.  In the jet stream map in Figure 2 it can be seen that Eau Claire is receiving northern winds bringing in cooler air, adding to the cooler temperatures being experienced 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 last for the rest of the day, with alight warming of temperatures during the day due to high exposures to sunlight.  Temperatures should reach a maximum of sixty degrees.  Similar weather conditions are expected for the rest of the week.  Temperatures should be even warmer Friday and into the weekend. 

Daily National Holiday: 
 Today is National Hug a Plumber Day!  Try and ignore the plumber butt and give your local plumber a hug!  Make sure to celebrate! 

Tuesday, April 24, 2018

Previous Forecast:

The remainder of yesterday did continue the way that was previously predicted.  Warm temperatures continued for the rest of the day yesterday.  Yesterday Eau Claire experienced its first 70°F day of 2018!  Yesterday ended the streak of 25 consecutive days of below average daily temperatures.  There is now zero inches of snow accumulation.  

Current Conditions:

Temperature: 66°F          Feels Like: 66°F
Humidity: 36%
Wind Conditions: NNE 7 mph
Precipitation: 0%
Sky Conditions: sunny clear skies
Visibility: 10.0 miles

      Today in Eau Claire there are warm temperatures much like yesterday.  In Figure 1, it can be seen that there is a high pressure front that will be moving across northern Wisconsin today, which should cool temperatures this evening, as well as a high pressure front even farther north in Canada.  This high pressure system is predicted to move into the Eau Claire area in the next few days and bring cooler temperatures.  Ahead of both of these high pressure systems we are experiencing some warm temperatures between sixty and seventy degrees today. 

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 last for the rest of the day, with cooling temperatures to begin this evening.  There should be some slight cloud accumulation during the day.  Tomorrow morning temperatures will be cold, in the twenties and thirties.  The second high pressure system will move into Eau Claire during the day tomorrow.  Tomorrow with be another clear skied sunny day with some light winds.  The day will be slightly cooler than today with highest in the upper fifties.  The rest of the week should have temperatures in the sixties.   

Daily National Holiday: 

Today is National Pigs in a Blanket Day!  One of my favorite snack foods.  Make sure to make some of this tasty treat to celebrate today! Or you could go to your local farm and wrap some swine in some old comforters and call it good. ha ha

Monday, April 23, 2018

Previous Forecast:

The remainder of the weekend remained dry with sunny skies and warm temperatures.  Eau Claire had its first 60°F day on Saturday and second on Sunday with a high of 65°F.  Sunday's temperature is till three degrees below the average temperature for April.  The snow depth after the warm weekend is now zero.  The weekend has set us up for a beautiful weather week as today is following the trend set by the past few days of nice weather.    

Current Conditions:

Temperature: 55°F          Feels Like: 55°F
Humidity: 34%
Wind Conditions: S 6 mph
Precipitation: 0%
Sky Conditions: sunny clear skies
Visibility: 10.0 miles

      Today in Eau Claire there are clear skies with plenty of sunshine.  In the surface map of Figure 1, it can be seen that there are no pressure systems located over Eu Claire, so today should remain beautiful and clear.  The light southern wind coming into the Eau Claire are is bringing warm air helping keep the area warm today.  The surface wind map in Figure 2 shows these southern winds coming into the Midwest.  In Figure 1 it can be seen the rain and thunderstorm events occurring in southeastern United States.  The surface wind map in Figure 2 shows that the moisture for this storm is coming from swirling winds coming from the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico.     

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 last for the rest of the day.  There should be temperature increases up into the high sixties.  A cold front is expected to enter the area this evening but cool off temperatures leading into Tuesday.  Northern winds with cloudy skies are anticipated for Tuesday, but highs should still reach sixty degrees.  Wednesday a high pressure system is predicted to move through the area bringing clear skies and temperatures in the fifties, which will feel cooler but comped to the temperatures at the beginning of April is still warm 

Daily National Holiday: 

Today is National Picnic Day!  Today is the perfect day for a picnic.  With temperatures expected to reach the upper sixties a picnic is the perfect way to get outside and enjoy the weather.  Don't forget the picnic blanket! 

Saturday, April 21, 2018

Previous Forecast:

The remainder of yesterday did continue the way that was previously predicted.  Warm temperatures continued for the rest of the day yesterday.  Temperatures remained in a wide scale from twenties to fifties, with an average temperature of 40°F.  Yesterday was the warmest day of the year, but the average temperature of the day was still eight degrees below average.  The daily average temperature of April so far is still below freezing, it is 28°F.  Today the warm temperatures have continued and by noon we have already hit fifty. 

Current Conditions:

Temperature: 50°F          Feels Like: 50°F
Humidity: 55%
Wind Conditions: 0 mph
Precipitation: 0%
Sky Conditions: sunny with partly cloudy skies
Visibility: 10.0 miles

      Today in Eau Claire there are cold temperatures much like yesterday due to the fact that we are no pressure systems situated over Eau Claire shown in Figure 1.  Today appears to be another unaffected bad in the surface map.  It can be seen that the southeastern portion of the United States is being effected by heavy rain and thunderstorms today.  In the jet stream map in Figure 2 it can be seen that Eau Claire is receiving western winds bringing in warmer air.  In addition with no surface winds today, Eau Claire is experiencing significant warming. 

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 last for the rest of the day.  There should be some slight cloud accumulation during the day.  Today is expected to stay dry.  Today temperatures are anticipated to remain in the fifties but Sunday has the potential to be the first sixty degree day of 2018.  Sunday should be a sunny beautiful day.

Daily National Holiday: 

Today is National Chocolate Covered Cashews Day!  Today is designated to enjoying this delicious treat! Grab your self some chocolate covered cashews and head outside to enjoy today's beautiful weather.

Friday, April 20, 2018

Previous Forecast:

The remainder of yesterday did continue the way that was previously predicted.  Temperatures remained warm with a high of 51°F.  This morning did start with colder temperatures from a high pressure system, but temperatures have risen dramatically through the day today, recording the warmest temperatures of this month.  The ample sunshine is helping melt the snow pack and after yesterday there is only  5 inches.

Current Conditions:

Temperature: 54°F          Feels Like: 54°F
Humidity: 26%
Wind Conditions: W 5 mph
Precipitation: 0%
Sky Conditions: sunny with clear skies
Visibility: 10.0 miles

      Today in Eau Claire there are warmer temperatures than there have been the rest of the past month.  The high pressure system that was in the Eau Claire area this morning has moved west and can be seen in Figure 1 over Michigan. There are currently no pressure systems over Eau Claire which can also be seen in Figure 1.  The strong west wind coming into the area is bringing the warmer temperatures being experienced in the area.

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 last for the rest of the day.  Tomorrow is expected to be similar to today, only slightly warmer.  There might be some fog in the morning with some patchy fog in the morning with lighter wind.  With continued sunshine tomorrow, the remaining snow pack should melt away.  The spring like trend will continue into the weekend and we are anticipating our first sixty degree day tomorrow.

Daily National Holiday: 

Today is National Cheddar Fries Day!  What a great excuse to eat cheddar fries! Get some for your self today and dye your fingers orange to celebrate!

Thursday, April 19, 2018

Previous Forecast:

The remainder of yesterday did not continue the way that was previously predicted.  Temperatures remained in the upper twenties and thirties with an average temperature of 32°F. There was predicted to be a snow and ice event to enter the Eau Claire area in the late afternoon.  Madison received the bulk of the storm.  The storm stayed farther south in Wisconsin than Eau Claire. 

Current Conditions:

Temperature: 48°F          Feels Like: 45°F
Humidity: 32%
Wind Conditions: N 7 mph
Precipitation: 0%
Sky Conditions: sunny with clear skies
Visibility: 10.0 miles

      Today in Eau Claire there are the warmest temperatures of the month so far! It can be seen in the surface map in Figure 1 that the conditions in Eau Claire today are mild with a high pressure system a little outside of the area.  This high pressure system is bringing drier air with sunshine into the area.  The northwest winds that are blowing into the Eau Claire area shown in Figure 2.  These north winds are also contributing to the warmer temperatures in Eau Claire today.  These conditions currently being experienced are making the weather drier and warmer that the majority of April has been so far.  Temperatures have reached the forties and might climb to the fifties today, which is still below average but warmer than they have been the past month.   

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 last for the rest of the day.  Tomorrow will have a colder start as the high pressure system seen in Figure 1 in southern Minnesota moves west into the Eau Claire area.  But is is expected to warm during the rest of the day tomorrow.  Temperatures are expected to start in the low twenties and reach low fifties later in the day.  The sun will be out for most of the day and help melt some of the snow depth.  Snow depth is currently 6 inches, but is expected to melt off in the next few days.   

Daily National Holiday: 

Today is National High Five Day!  A great day to share support of others and give one another a high five! Make someone's day and give them a high five to celebrate!

Wednesday, April 18, 2018

Previous Forecast:

The remainder of yesterday did continue the way that was previously predicted.  Temperatures continued to warm through the day and the Eau Claire area reached the forties.  However no snow depth was melted and there is still 9 inches of snow depth on the ground.

Current Conditions:

Temperature: 31°F          Feels Like: 23°F
Humidity: 76%
Wind Conditions: NE 9 mph
Precipitation: 30%
Sky Conditions: overcast
Visibility: 10.0 miles

      Today in Eau Claire there are cold temperatures much like yesterday.  There is a weak high pressure system is causing the cold temperatures in Eau Claire this morning.  It can be seen in the surface map in Figure 1 that Eau Claire should be on the edge of some rain and snow events entering western Wisconsin today.  This will be brought in by the low pressure system seen in the surface map moving in from the south.   Due to this approaching storm clouds will increase and temperatures will be in the twenties during the day today.   

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 not last for the rest of the day.  Cloud cover will increase during the day and temperatures will drop.  The forecast map in Figure 2 predicts that ice will move into the Eau Claire area.  Snow will begin in the later afternoon.  Only light snow accumulation is predicted for Eau Claire with only an inch or less of accumulation predicted.  This has the chance to be the last of the wintry weather to occur this season, or at least for the next few days.  A large high pressure system is predicted to move into the west bringing a lot of sunshine and temperatures to rise to the forties. Friday temperatures may reach fifties.       

Figure 2. Weather forecast for the United States for 2 PM today. 

Daily National Holiday: 

Today is National Animal Crackers Day!  Bears, tigers, and lions oh my!  Do you eat the head, legs, o rump first? Admit you have thought about it!  Enjoy some animal crackers today to celebrate. 

Tuesday, April 17, 2018

Previous Forecast:

The remainder of yesterday did continue the way that was previously predicted.  Temperatures remained in the twenties and thirties, with an average temperature of 28°F.  There were mixed rain and snow flurries through the day and Eau Claire received 0.01 inches of precipitation and 0.6 inches of snow.  The snow depth in Eau Claire is now 9 inches.  In Figure 1 it can be seen that April is the snowiest month of the past 4 winter months by over 3 inches of snow and the month is not over yet.     

Figure 1. Total snow inches count for past 4 months and current April standings.

Current Conditions:

Temperature: 30°F          Feels Like: 22°F
Humidity: 66%
Wind Conditions: NW 9 mph
Precipitation: 10%
Sky Conditions: overcast with mixed clouds
Visibility: 10.0 miles

      Today in Eau Claire is expected to be a nice pleasant day with the possibility of some sunshine coming into the Eau Claire area.  The warmer temperatures and sunshine should melt a significant amount of snow.  Temperatures are predicted to reach forties today.  In the surface map in Figure 2 shows the calm weather predicted over Eau Claire.  There are rain and snow events predicted to the north and south of Eau Claire. 

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

Tomorrow's Forecast:

I believe the weather conditions currently being experienced in Eau Claire will last for the rest of the day with some added sunshine and temperatures warming.  It can be seen in Figure 3 that the counties to the south of Eau Claire county are under winter storm watch today.   More clouds should move into the area on Wednesday and some wintry precipitation will come into the area from the west.  Eau Claire is expected to receive a few inches of snow through Wednesday until the storm moves out o the area Wednesday night. After the storm on Wednesday there should be a long period of warming and drier weather in Eau Claire.     

Figure 3. Local weather alerts in western Wisconsin counties today.

Daily National Holiday: 

Today is National Haiku Poetry Day!  Today is designated to the creative writing style of poetry the Haiku.  Here's one I found online that describes my current feelings on this extended winter:

Days getting longer

But snow keeps coming down
Nowhere to put it.

Write or look up a favorite Haiku and share it with a friend today to celebrate!

Monday, April 16, 2018

Previous Forecast:

Yesterday Eau Claire received 3.8 inches of snow and 0.22 inches of rain.  This has accumulated to seven inches of snow depth thanks to winter storm Xanto.  The totals for the storm from Thursday to Monday morning include 11.5 inches of snow and 1.1 inches of rain.  The storm was fueled by moisture from the west in the Pacific Ocean and south from the Gulf of Mexico.  The storm was created in the Rockies and moved west to the Midwest.  The storm lingered in the Twin Cities and surrounding areas like northern Wisconsin counties because the storm was trapped between two high pressure systems leading to its isolated impact.     

Current Conditions:

Temperature: 29°F          Feels Like: 19°F
Humidity: 66%
Wind Conditions: NNW 14 mph
Precipitation: 20%
Sky Conditions: overcast and cloudy
Visibility: 10.0 miles

      Today in Eau Claire the snow from the snow storm yesterday has stopped.  As seen in Figure 1, Eau Claire is on the western fringes of the storm which now is covering the Great Lakes.  This is causing strong northwest winds to entering the area and cloudy skies.  There may be a few flurries through the day, but today should be mostly dry with temperatures in the mid thirties.   

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 last for the rest of the day.  There will be some periodic flurries coming down.  Tomorrow I believe some sun will return tomorrow with highs making in to forty degrees.  This week should experience a general temperature rise as the days progress.  Wednesday will interrupt this trend as a wintry system is expected to enter the area. 

Daily National Holiday: 

Today is National Wear Your Pajamas to Work Day!  Today is the perfect PJ day after the large snow storm to stay cozy in your pajamas.

AAG Conference: April 9 to April 14

This week I am in New Orleans, Louisiana for the annual American Association of Geographers conference.  Here is an overview of my week in this beautiful city.

The weather is described for New Orleans for the past week is shown in Figure 1.  The days were mostly sunny and warm with temperatures in the seventies.  There were clear sunny skies during the day.  Friday was the warmest day of the trip with temperatures reaching eighties.  In New Orleans I went to the French Quarter Festival on the boardwalk of the Mississippi on Friday, which can be seen in Figure 2.  the skies were clear and sunny.  On Saturday, I flew out of New Orleans and the sky was extremely cloud covered as seen from my plane window in Figure 3.  The French Quarter Festival was cancelled on Saturday due to impending bad weather.  New Orleans was anticipating tornadoes and extreme thunderstorms.  New Orleans received 2 to 5 inches of rain during the storm and my flight was one of the last to leave the airport before it was shut down.       

                         Monday                  Tuesday             Wednesday

               Thursday                  Friday                 Saturday

Figure 1.  Weather in New Orleans over the past week.

Figure 2.  Clear sunny skies at the French Quarter Festival in New Orleans on Friday.

Figure 3.  Cloudy skies in New Orleans visible from plane window on Saturday morning.

Winter Storm Xanto

Travel plans to get back to Eau Claire were greatly disrupted by winter storm Xanto covering the Midwest.  The original flight I had booked to leave on Saturday was cancelled due to the storm, so I booked a different flight on Saturday, but my connecting flight from St. Louis to Minneapolis was cancelled.  My travel partners and I still took the flight to St. Louis in fear of being stuck in New Orleans due to the approaching storm there.  In St. Louis the group rented a van and drove to Madison where we spent Saturday night.  We only encountered heaving rain and no snow during that drive.  On Sunday morning we drove the rest of the way from Madison to Eau Claire.  We drove through heavy snow and icy road conditions.  The bad visibility we drove through can be seen in Figure 4.  The group made it safe to Eau Claire on Sunday afternoon.  The forecasted snow amounts for Wisconsin from the winter storm can be seen in Figure 5.  Eau Claire is predicted to receive 12 to 18 inches.       

Figure 4. Bad road visibility driven through to get to Eau Claire in winter storm Xanto on Sunday morning. 

Figure 5.  Forecasted snow amounts predicted to occur in Wisconsin from winter storm Xanto. 

Saturday, April 7, 2018

Previous Forecast:

The remainder of yesterday did continue the way that was previously predicted.  Temperatures remained in the twenties and thirties, with an average temperature of 21°F.  The deep upper trough over Wisconsin of the continental polar air mass is still shifted downward into Eau Claire today. 

Current Conditions:

Temperature: 22°F          Feels Like: 10°F
Humidity: 55%
Wind Conditions: W 13 mph
Precipitation: 0%
Sky Conditions: sunny with clear skies
Visibility: 10.0 miles

      Today in Eau Claire there are cold temperatures much like 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.  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 northwest 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 last for the rest of the day.  Tomorrow the high pressure system will move eastward out of Eau Claire.  Moist systems from the Rockies and Plains will move into Eau Claire and bring cloud cover to the area in the morning bringing in some warmer temperatures in the upper-thirties.  This should bring a weak low pressure system into the area.  The system will be limited in moisture but should result in some snow showers, but should not add up to more than a few inches.  Next week some warmer temperatures in the forties can be anticipated as cold air will move north back to Canada.   

Daily National Holiday: 

Today is National Girl, Me Too Day!  Today is designated to recognize the strength and endurance of all women.  Today is a great day to support the women in your life and the battles they face.  Encourage the women in your life to keep fighting their battles. 

Friday, April 6, 2018

Previous Forecast:

The remainder of yesterday did continue the way that was previously predicted.  Temperatures remained cold in the twenties and thirties.  An official record low of 5°F was set yesterday, breaking the previous record of 10°F.  The average for the day was 21°F. 

Current Conditions:

Temperature: 20°F          Feels Like: 4°F
Humidity: 60%
Wind Conditions: NNW 21 mph
Precipitation: 10%
Sky Conditions: sunny with broken clouds
Visibility: 9.0 miles

      Today in Eau Claire there are colder temperatures than yesterday.  Temperatures this time of year are typically in the low fifties, but we have only been near those temperatures once this year.  Today will be no different with highs only reaching mid twenties today.  After midnight tonight extra cloud cover should move in and light snowfall should begin as shown in the surface map in Figure 1.  Strong northwest winds have brought even greater chill values to the region.   

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 last the rest of the day.  The weekend is predicted to remain cold as well.  Winds should be lighter on Saturday with a sunny sky.  A large high pressure system is expected to be in the area, preventing temperatures from rising above thirty. 

Daily National Holiday: 

Today is National Caramel Popcorn Day!  My favorite type of popcorn!! Make sure to eat some yourself to celebrate!

Thursday, April 5, 2018

Previous Forecast:

The remainder of yesterday did continue the way that was previously predicted.  The day remained cold and dry.  Today is starting the way yesterday's weather was with continued cold and dry weather.  This morning a new record cold temperature was set, this morning temperatures reached 5°F breaking the record set in 1926 at the temperature of 10°F.  Highs for the day should stay about 15°F below average temperatures.      

Current Conditions:

Temperature: 26°F          Feels Like: 18°F
Humidity: 69%
Wind Conditions: W 8 mph
Precipitation: 0%
Sky Conditions: sunny with clear skies
Visibility: 10.0 miles

      Today in Eau Claire there are similar temperatures compared to yesterday due to the fact that we are in a high pressure system.  This high pressure system is causing the cold temperatures, dry, and clear sunny skies weather the Eau Claire area is currently experiencing.  he continental polar air mass has sunk down into the Eau Claire area bringing these cold unseasonably temperatures.  In Figure 1 it can be clearly seen the polar air mass coming down into the northern states leading to cold temperatures. 
 

Figure 1. Temperature map of the temperatures across the United States today at 8 AM.

Tomorrow's Forecast:

I believe the weather conditions currently being experienced in Eau Claire will last for some of the day.  An arctic cold front is predicted to move into the area from out of Canada and cause increasing cloud cover later in the day.  This has the possibility to bring rain and snow later this afternoon.   Temperatures are projected to reach near 0°F in Eau Claire this weekend.  Arctic polar air is predicted to descend into the upper Midwest and northern plains this weekend as shown in Figure 2.  these cold temperatures have become a concern for wheat farmers.  The warmth experienced in past weeks winter wheat has been growing in Oklahoma and Texas but with the influences of this weeks cold temperatures the wheat will experience freezing during the jointing stage which can risk damage to the crop.     

Figure 2. Map of the predicted path arctic polar air will move into the northern plains and upper Midwest this weekend. 

Daily National Holiday: 

Today is National Read a Road Map Day! As a geographer this is practically an everyday activity for me, but if reading maps is not an everyday activity for you dig out some old road maps from the glove box of your car and have a look to celebrate!!

Wednesday, April 4, 2018

Previous Forecast:

The remainder of yesterday did continue the way that was previously predicted.  Snow fell for the remainder of the day.  Eau Claire got 4.3 inches of snow and 0.3 inches of precipitation yesterday.  Eau Claire has already gotten more snow in the first 3 days of April than it did in all of March.  Eau Claire received 6.8 inches of snow in March and has already gotten 6.9 inches of snow in April.  To day has dried out as was predicted and Eau Claire has not gotten any precipitation today.

Current Conditions:

Temperature: 25°F          Feels Like: 14°F
Humidity: 43%
Wind Conditions: W 12 mph
Precipitation: 0%
Sky Conditions: sunny with clear skies
Visibility: 10.0 miles

      Today in Eau Claire there are similar temperatures to yesterday.  In the surface map in in Figure 1 it can be seen that there is not much weather activity in Eau Claire today.  Temperatures for today are typical for January with high temperatures in the twenties.  The western jet stream winds shown in Figure 2 will be bringing a high pressure system and cold temperatures in the upcoming days.  The Eau Claire area is going to have to continue for spring to come.   

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 last for the rest of the day and continue to get increasingly cold across the next few days.  In Figure 3 it can be seen that record cold temperatures are anticipated for the Eau Claire area tonight.  Eau Claire is foretasted to reach 4°F tonight, which is 6°F below the record low of 10°F from 1926.  Thursday might have a slight warm up from a slight low pressure front, but Friday is predicted to bring the cold back as winds shift to the north. 

Figure 3. Record cold temperatures predicted for the Twin Cities and surrounding areas tonight.

Daily National Holiday: 

Today is National School Librarian Day! Make sure to head over to your school library and tell the librarians what a great job they are doing and how much you appreciate them.  I myself will thank Hans over in McIntyre Library for all of the hard work he does for students completing research projects on campus.