The day that was supposed to snow

Current Conditions:

Temperature: 54º F
Wind Chill: 50º F
Wind: 13 mph SE
Dew Point: 41º F
Precipitation: None
Pressure: 996.2 mb

Today's weather was very decent! There were clouds in the sky all day long. Some were ominous, while others were classified as nimbus. There was also slight precipitation throughout the day, but it didn't accumulate to much. The temperature stayed in the 50's throughout the day with a comfortable breeze. Near the end of the night the clouds broke into a great warming sun. It would appear that the storm that was projected for tonight has moved to the north.

Image 1: This accuweather image shows the warm air crossing the eastern coast tomorrow while showers and lcouds are all around Michigan and Wisconsin.

Image 2: The above image shows the radar data, isobar lines, pressure domes and fronts. There is currently a warm front on top of Wisconsin but a cold front is coming our way within the next day. There is also a large low pressure dome just to the west of Wisconsin which will hit us tomorrow.

Image 3: The above image shows the yellow projected air parcel in yellow. The other two lines represent dew point and temperature. Where these lines meet in the atmosphere is where precipitation is occurring.

Image 4: The above UNISYS image shows wind speed, wind direction and cloud cover. The image shows Eau Claire as being partly cloudy with winds out of the south east. This is occurring because of the low pressure dome and its counterclockwise motion.

I predict that tomorrow will be stormy. It seems like the low pressure dome will be over Wisconsin by tomorrow and with it stormy weather. As long as the temperatures stay high then there shouldn't be any snow, but possibly some rain. The skies should be mostly cloudy tomorrow again too.

Rain and Snow

Current Conditions:

Temperature: 34º F
Wind Chill: 25º F
Wind: 14 MPH N
Dew Point: 33º F
Precipitation: None, currently
Pressure: 1001.3 mb

Today was horrendous! Not only did it rain for the first time in Eau Claire, but it also snowed again. Nimbus clouds made up the cloud cover almost all day long. It misted almost all morning then rained which progressed into snow. The winds were also strong almost all day too as the precipitation fell. While it was warmer, the winter snow and rain both made it a chilly day. Today could be categorized as gloomy.

Image 1: The image above provided by accuweather shows a cold front making its way over the eastern coast which is mixing with warmer air and causing precipitation. There is also snow in Canada where the low pressure dome has moved.

Image 2: The UNISYS image above shows the low pressure dome moving eastward away from the Midwest and driving a cold front with it. There also appears to be a high pressure dome over Canada which is making its way down to the Midwest.

Image 3: The weather sounding above was taken from Minneapolis, MN. The dew point and temperature are aligned in many parts of the atmosphere which indicates that precipitation is still occurring in the region. Looking at yesterday's sounding on my blog it is apparent that they are very different.

Image 4: In this image wind direction, wind speed and cloud cover are all apparent. The wind is currently coming out of the north and the sky is overcast. The Dakota's are experiencing the same northern wind but have no cloud cover, this is most likely due to the high pressure dome moving into the area.

I predict that tomorrow will be mostly sunny with little to no cloud cover. The incoming high pressure dome should clear the skies. The temperature will be lower than today, but still in the 30's. The winds should be relatively low too. Don't expect any precipitation tomorrow either. Dress warm and wear your boots because of the water build up from today.

Hump Day!

Current Conditions:

Temperature: 34º F
Wind Chill: 24º F
Wind: 15 MPH SE
Dew Point: 19º F
Precipitation: None
Pressure: 1008.9 mb

Today was fantastic by my standards! The temperature hung out in the mid to high 30's for a majority of the day. The skies were mostly overcast this afternoon with cumulostratus clouds. It seems like the arctic winds are retreating back into the north.

Image 1: The accuweather image above shows the current precipitation and soil moisture content of the U.S. The Midwest is primarily frozen still however the forecast for the upper western states appears to be good.

Image 2: The image above shows pressure domes, fronts, isobar lines and radar data. A warm front is on its way to the Midwest and will approach us tomorrow morning. Along with the warm front is a low pressure dome which is associated with cloudy skies. There could be a chance of precipitation.

Image 3: Above is the weather sounding for Minneapolis, MN. The dew point and temperature meet around 750 mb which means that there is most likely some sort of precipitation occutring.

Image 4: The image above shows wind speed, wind direction, and cloud cover. Eau Claire has overcast skies with winds coming out of the NW. 

I predict that tomorrow will be relatively warmer and with the warm front coming over the Midwest there is a good chance of rain. As the warm front moves in with its warmer air over the Midwest the air will rise and condense which should cause rain. The temperature should be in the low to mid 40's tomorrow as well. Get your rain boots and coats ready for tomorrow!

Chilly

Current Conditions:

Temperature: 13º F
Wind Chill: 13º F
Wind: Calm
Dew Point: 3º F
Precipitation: None
Pressure: 1023.6 mb

Today was cold! There is huge high pressure dome over the Midwest right now which has created clear skies. There were virtually no winds today but the gusts that did occur were very harsh. Without a hat and gloves today would have been unbearable. The skies were pretty clear, but there were a few later in the afternoon. They were mostly in the upper atmosphere and sheared.

Image 1: The accuweather image above shows where the strong arctic air is sitting over the eastern coast. There is also a large low pressure dome off of the eastern coast with is swirling winds around and causing storms to occur.

Image 2: The image above shows high pressure domes, fronts, radar data and isobar lines. The Midwest is covered by a massive high pressure dome which is creating clear skies across the region. Areas outside of the dome are plagued by cloudy conditions.

Image 3: The weather sounding above shows the weather in Minneapolis, MN. The dew point and temperature are meeting around 800 mb which is most likely creating precipitation in the area. We are not showing any snow here yet though.

Image 4: The UNISYS image above shows wind speed, wind direction and cloud cover. Eau Claire, WI currently has little to no wind and the skies are very clear. Michigan is seeing cloudy skies because of the lake effect but the rest of the Midwest has clear skies.

I predict that tomorrow will be cold as well, but not as cold as today. The temperature should be in the 20's to 30's for the high. The skies should be clear again too unless the stationary front from the west moves our way bringing a warm front. Conditions could change, but they will most likely be much like today. The sub polar jet stream is dipping over the country which is causing massive snow storms on the east coast. Get ready for another relatively cold day tomorrow.

Spring Break is over

Current Conditions:

Temperature: 26° F
Wind Chill: 26° F
Wind: none to slightly breezy
Dew Point: 15° F
Precipitation: Snowfall is accumulating now.
Pressure: 1024.0 mb

It is the first school day back from an all too short spring break. The weather over spring break in my hometown of Stillwater, MN consisted of cold temperatures with partially cloudy skies. One night it did snow, however most of it disappeared the next day. Today, much like that snowy day, is overcast with relatively large snowflakes falling from the sky. The day started off with temperatures in the teens and has warmed up slightly. The snow began falling around half an hour ago and has been coming down at a pretty steady pace. The sidewalks and roads appeared to be very clear until now. I assume that this snow will not last very long though, however it all depends on how long the arctic air stays over the Midwest. Image one below shows a figure describing the movement of the arctic air and its affects on the Midwest and Eastern coast. Image 3 below shows the weather sounding of Minneapolis, MN. The sounding shows where the temperature and dew point are meeting in the upper atmosphere which is causing the snow to fall with the low surface temperatures.



Image 1: The above image provided by accuweather shows the arctic air from the north sliding over the Midwest and eastern coast which is mixing with low pressure domes and encapsulated by the warm air from the ocean. All of these factors are causing rain and snow to develop.

Image 2: The UNISYS image above shows pressure domes, fronts, radar data, and isobar lines. There is a cold front heading from the north to the Midwest and the we are also still experiencing the affects of a high pressure dome moving out of our region.

Image 3: The sounding above shows the dew point meeting the temperature which is creating precipitation in the upper atmosphere. As the chilled water droplets fall they are turning into snow. The yellow line shows the air parcel that is projected.

Image 4: The above image shows wind speed, wind direction and cloud cover. Eau Claire is in an area of overcast conditions and almost no wind.

I predict that tomorrow will be cold again as the arctic air and cold front move farther down over the Midwest. Temperatures should be colder tomorrow if it takes until then for the front to reach us. Skies should be much clearer tomorrow if there is a high pressure dome behind the cold front. Don't expect any freak snow storms tomorrow. Tomorrow will be chilly and most likely windier as well so make sure to dress warm and wear a jacket!

Almost there

Current Conditions:

Temperature: 36º F
Wind Chill: 32º F
Wind: 5 MPH S
Dew Point: 31º F
Precipitation: None
Pressure: 1003.1 mb

Today was yet another step in the right direction. Spring is on its way here! The high for the day was in the 40's with almost no wind. The skies were fairly clear during the day with the exception of a few cirrus clouds that were sheared in the upper atmosphere. Image 1 below shows the projected severe weather areas over the next few months. It appears that the trend will begin near Texas and move its way northeastward. Currently we are experiencing warm conditions which are getting rid of the snow.

Image 1: The Accuweather image above shows the projected areas of where severe weather may occur. Each greater circle represents the months and bad weather as the summer goes on.

Image 2: This UNISYS image shows pressure domes, isobar lines, fronts, and radar data. There is a warm front over the top of Wisconsin at the moment. There are more overcast conditions toward the north. There is also a cold front right behind the warm front.

Image 3: The sounding above is taken from Minneapolis, Minnesota. The yellow line represents the projected air parcel for the day. The notations on the right side of the image show weather conditions.

Image 4: The image above shows the surface wind conditions. Cloud cover, wind direction and wind speed are all visible on the image. Winds are coming out of the south in Wisconsin.

I predict that tomorrow's weather will consist of warm conditions once again. In image 2 above there is a warm front that is slowly making its way across the Midwest, however there is also a cold front right behind the warmer air. There will most likely be cooler conditions over the weekend, but nothing lower than about 20º for a high. The skies over Eau Claire will also become more cloudy over the weekend. It should be a pretty clear and great weekend over all.

Changing Seasons

Current Conditions:

Temperature: 19° F
Wind Chill: None
Wind: 3 MPH N
Dew Point: 1° F
Precipitation: None
Pressure: 1020.2 mb

Today was colder than it has been over the past week, but was still relatively nice once the sun came out. It seems like it is becoming more and more like Spring as the temperatures continue to rise. Another site for sore eyes that appeared today was the remnants of grass from beneath the melted snow. The forecast for the rest of the week and moving into the weekend shows temperatures in the 30's and 40's. In image 1 below it is noticeable that the east coast will not be as lucky since they are currently covered in snow and bone chilling temperatures. They should begin to warm up as well though over the weekend as the warm front reaches their borders. The warm front can be observed in image 2 below.

Image 1: The accuweather image above shows the craziness that is occurring over the east coast tonight. The northern portion of the east coast is getting bombarded by snow while the southern states are receiving windy and cold airs.

Image 2: The UNISYS image provided above shows pressure domes, fronts, isobar lines and radar data. There is currently a warm front that is headed in the Wisconsin (eastern) direction. The skies are also relatively clear right now. The east coast is being buffeted by crazy storms.

Image 3: This image shows a weather sounding taken at Minneapolis, Minnesota. The yellow line represents the projected air parcel for the time. The indexes on the right side of the screen show weather conditions. 

Image 4: This image shows the current cloud cover, wind speed and wind direction. Wisconsin is experiencing almost no wind and very clear skies. The current conditions in Eau Claire show only 3 MPH winds which makes sense with the lack of a wind indicator.

I predict that tomorrow will much warmer as the warm front pushes its way over the Midwest. The sounding in image 3 above indicates that there shouldn't be any precipitation tonight since the dew point is not very near the actual temperature. The weekend should also stay relatively warm seeing as though there aren't any looming features on image 2 above to make me guess otherwise. I wouldn't be shocked to see a new pressure dome development and change the weather over the next few days. Tomorrow may be beautiful so get your shorts and t-shirts ready!

Overcast

Current Conditions:

Temperature: 39º F
Wind Chill: 35º F
Wind: 6 MPH NW
Dew Point: 20º F
Precipitation: None
Pressure: 1011.8 mb

Today's conditions were rather drab. The skies were mostly overcast all day long. The clouds appeared to be primarily stratocumulus for most of the day. As night came the clouds were sheared which indicates a change in wind direction. The snow further melted today, but not at the same rate that it did yesterday. While forecasters projected rain/snow today, it did not arrive. Looking at image 2 below, I'm not really sure how to explain the conditions that are persisting. It appears that there is a low pressure dome above us with stationary fronts north and south of us. It's a weird phenomena, however the east coast is getting bombarded by bad weather.

Image 1: The accuweather image above shows the snowfall that is projected for tonight along with how much is projected for each area. The northern east coast will be buffeted by tomorrow morning.

Image 2: The image above shows pressure domes, fronts, isobar lines, and radar data. The Midwest is currently stuck between two stationary fronts with a low pressure dome hovering above. The conditions are fairly cloudy as well.

Image 3: The above image shows the weather sounding in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The yellow line shows the projected air parcel. The weather indicators are listed on the right side of the image. The two white lines being close together shows areas where precipitation could occur if they meet.

Image 4: The UNISYS image above shows the cloud cover, wind direction and wind speed. Northern Wisconsin is experiencing relatively clear conditions currently with slow winds.

I project that tomorrow's weather will be even colder than today as the cold air rushes across Wisconsin. There should be more cloud formation across the state too as the cold air approaches. Temperatures should be in the 20's with wind chills in the teens. Winds could potentially pick up as the low pressure dome moves away from Wisconsin. It also wouldn't be unreasonable to see some light precipitation or snow. Dress warm tomorrow!

A good day to fly a kite

Current Conditions:

Temperature: 42º F
Wind chill: 38º F
Wind: 7 MPH W
Dew Point: 32º F
Precipitation: None
Pressure: 1005.0 mb

Today was absolutely beautiful and warm! It has been the hottest so far this year with a high above 50º. A bunch of the snow has melted now and so has the ice. The temperatures will temporarily drop over the next two days and then start to rise again. This drop could potentially bring large sheets of ice to form from the melted snow, however it stays warm enough so that doesn't happen. The image below shows the converging warm and cold airs where precipitation will most likely occur. This area of contact is conveniently over the Midwest. Today we experienced cirrus clouds because they were high in the atmosphere and sheared.

Image 1: The image above from accuweather shows what is happening over the next few days in a simplified form. The jet is dipping over the west coast and driving northward. With it, cold airs are descending and causing precipitation to fall where the hot and cold airs are mixing.

Image 2: The image above provided by UNISYS shows pressure domes, isobar lines, radar data, and fronts. There is a massive cold front descending from the North which is cooling the entire northern portion of the counry.

Image 3: The image above shows the cloud cover, wind direction and wind speed. Wisconsin has mostly clear skies and winds from the west.

Image 4: This image is the sounding from Minneapolis, Minnesota. The sounding shows several forms of data that all give an accurate measure of the weather.

I project that tomorrow will be much colder than today because of the cold front that has gone over our region. The temperatures should be in the 30's with a lot of cloud cover. We should continue to experience slight melting of the snow as well. Wednesday will be the coldest day of the week as the last bits of the low pressure dome and cold front breeze past us. Expect a decent day tomorrow and don't forget your boots.

It's Friday!

Current Conditions:

Temperature: 33° F
Wind Chill: 25° F
Wind: 10 MPH N
Dew Point: 27° F
Precipitation: None
Pressure: 1016.3 mb

Today was very cloudy almost all day long. The clouds appeared to be stratus in form. Stratus clouds are often lower in the atmosphere and thick. They can create overcast conditions. Today was relatively nice as the temperatures continue to rise into the 20's and 30's. The snow has been shrinking in mass which has also shown the dirty particles that are within the snow as they are left behind as the water from the snow evaporates. The winds were much higher today as well which has made the wind chill much higher as well.

Image 1: The above image shows radar data, pressure domes, isobar lines, and fronts. The Midwest is experiencing a low pressure dome leaving with a high pressure dome coming in from the north.

Image 2: This image shows the trending weather conditions for the next week. The jet is rising and warming the Midwest and South as warmer air is rising from the equator.

Image 3: The above image shows the sounding for Minneapolis, MN. The yellow line shows the predicted air parcel. We are still seeing a thermal inversion over the city.

I predict that tomorrow and the weekend will experience clear skies as the high pressure dome from the north moves over Wisconsin. The warming trend should continue as well. Some stations are predicting temperatures in the 40's for Sunday. There shouldn't be any snowfall either when viewing image 1 above. It will be a good weekend for outside activities!

Hot then you're cold

Current Conditions:

Temperature: 22º F
Wind chill: 14º F
Wind: 6 MPH S
Dew Point: 14º F
Precipitation: None currently
Pressure: 1014.0 mb

Today began as quite the opposite of my expectations. As I walked to my 8:00 am class I expected to encounter a warmer morning that would lead to great afternoon, but instead it was very chilly. This mainly had to do with the wind conditions earlier in the day. As the day moved on the warm up preceded to show its face. The ice has melted even more over the past few days. The sidewalks and roads are finally beginning to clear up. As the night has approached the temperatures have dropped slightly and the wind chill has also dropped it into the teens.

Image 1: The image above shows pressure domes, radar data, isobar lines and fronts. The Midwest is currently under a low pressure dome which is pulling air into the region.

Image 2: The image above shows both the wind speed and direction in the Midwest. Wisconsin currently has open skies and relatively low winds.

I project that tomorrow will experience snow since there is a series of low pressure domes over the Midwest. The skies should become overcast as well as the snow starts to develop. We should see nimbus clouds begin to form in the atmosphere throughout the day as moisture begins to develop and eventually fall as snow. Expect temps in the 20's and 30's throughout the day with stronger winds.

Just another day in Paradise

Current Conditions:

Temperature: 9° F
Wind Chill: -1° F
Wind: 6 MPH NE
Dew Point: 3° F
Precipitation: 0.1 inch of snow in the last 24 hours
Pressure: 1030.7 mb

This post is more of an update of yesterday and predictions for later today and tomorrow. It is just becoming brighter outside as we speak and students are beginning to roll out of their beds. The wind chill has brought the temperature back into the negatives but only slightly at -1° F. The winds are fairly low, but are still cold enough to drop the temp slightly. As can be seen from the pressure above, we are still in a high pressure dome. Yesterday's conditions were warming slightly in the afternoon, but sidewalks were very slick throughout the entire day. As today warms up even more there will hopefully be melting. The forecast for the week predicts temperatures in the 20's and a few into the 30's.


Image 1: The above image shows the sounding for Minneapolis, MN which is the nearest large station to get data from. The sounding once again shows what is called a thermal inversion where the temperature actually increases slightly in the atmosphere before the troposphere. This has caused some of the snowy conditions.

Image 2: The above image provided by UNISYS shows pressure domes, fronts, radar data and isobar lines. There is some precipitation occurring over the SE and NW. Pressures seem to be high across the country.

The reason why we are experiencing the weather that we are has a lot to do with the low pressure and the high pressure domes that moving in/out, respectively, over the Midwest. As the high pressure spins the winds outward in a clockwise motion cold air is being pushed over Wisconsin. The high pressure system that I am referring to is in image 1 above near the top of the image. Looking at image 2 above and comparing it to image 3 below the radar data from 2 shows the rain that 3 is describing. Notice how there is no cloud cover over southern California and the other south western states, this corresponds with image 2 above as well.

Image 3: This is an Accuweather image that shows what the west coast is experiencing. Much of California has been dealing with drought and is in desperate need of water, so hopefully more precipitation will come their way.

Image 4: The above image shows the Jet stream at its current state. It has straightened out across the U.S. except near Texas where there is a trough. The trough is creating diverging airs on the east coast which has created/fueled some of the storms.

Image 5: This image shows the current surface wind conditions over the Midwest. Northern Wisconsin is experiencing clear skies while the southern skies are more overcast, we happen to be in a slightly overcast situation. The wind speeds across the state are fairly mild. The wind is coming out of the NE.

I predict that the rest of today will be partly sunny due to the fact that the high pressure dome from the north will most likely make its way near our region and we have already been affected by its presence, which can be seen in image 5 above where the winds are coming out of the NE. We shouldn't get any precipitation and the temperature should rise into the high teens or 20's. Tomorrow, on the other hand, is a beast in and of itself. I think that tomorrow should be much like this coming afternoon as skies clear slightly. Temperatures should stay on this warming trend for at least this week. Expect the winds to shift as the high pressure dome becomes closer. Today and tomorrow should be very nice with all things considered.

Records

Current Conditions:

Temperature: 6º F
Wind Chill: 6º F
Wind: 3 MPH W
Dew Point: -10º F
Precipitation: None
Pressure: 1033.9 mb

This morning's temperature was a record low for this day in history. Today's weather is rather gloomy since the skies are overcast. The temperatures are higher than they were all weekend and there is hardly any wind which has kept the wind chill at the current temperature. The temperatures are projected to rise as the week goes on. One of the biggest issues that is facing Eau Claire's campus currently is the amount of snow that has been compacted to ice on the roads and sidewalks. This has created very dangerous conditions across Wisconsin. Image 1 below shows that there is a high pressure dome above the Midwest. The East coast is once again being buffeted by storms.

Image 1: The above image shows the pressure systems, fronts, isobar lines, and radar data. The Midwest is experiencing a high pressure dome, the east coast a snow storm and the west coast has cloudy conditions as well.

The east coast is getting hammered and will continue to get hit by a massive snow storm which is affectionately known as Titan. This storm is categorized by snow, ice, rain, hail and other precipitation means. The storm is massive and is projected to shut down the east coast much like most of the other storms have done in the past.

Image 2: The above image shows the weather conditions that are happening and will continue to happen as the night goes on. The east coast is once again experiencing snowy ice storms.

Image 3: The above image provided by UNISYS shows the Jet stream as it is located at 250 mb. The winds are very strong on the west coast and east coast which makes sense with snow storm Titan.

The image above shows the jet stream in its current state. The jet stream is rather flat across the United States in its current state, but is very strong on the east coast where the storm is occurring. The image below shows the surface wind conditions, which at its current state is hard to read as far as pressure systems are concerned.

Image 4: The image above shows the current surface wind conditions. The skies are mostly overcast over Minnesota and western Wisconsin. The winds are very low across Wisconsin as well. The wind directions in our region are hard to read to get a good idea of the pressure systems.

Image 5: The NOAA image above shows the temperature gradient across the Midwest. The entire region is fairly cold right now, but could be considered warm compared to previous temperatures. 

I project that tomorrow will be much warmer with the possibility of having a low pressure dome move into the Midwest. The jet stream has leveled out as well which should lessen the amount of arctic air that enters our area. There is a decent chance that we could receive snow as well with the entrance of a low pressure system. I don't believe that we will get as much snow as the east coast will today, but it is in the forecast. Expect mostly cloudy skies with rising temperatures over the week. Keep posted with the blog in order to get updates throughout the week.