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!