Storms on the Horizon

Today's weather was fairly mild.  Walking into the school this morning, the sky was overcast.  The temperature was on the cooler side.  However, the sun eventually broke through and remained for the remainder of the day.  Mixed cloud cover ranged from clear to scattered.  A light SE wind was present for most of the day.

Figure 1 shows a significant amount of low pressure surrounding the area. Based on that, I predict an increase in cloud cover tomorrow and a likely chance of precipitation.  Wind should also switch directions and possibly increase with the front(s) moving through.  Temperature will decrease due to the approaching cold front.

Figure 1.  Current weather map from The Weather Channel.
Significant amount of low pressure around the country.

Calm Conditions

On my way into work this morning, the temperature felt a lot colder than it looked.  A light wind from the W was present.  When I left work earlier this evening, it felt much warmer.  Clear conditions were present and a few cirrus clouds.

Figure 1 shows that there is currently a stationary front in the area.  Until something causes this to move, the mass of cold air behind the front will remain in place.  Based on the stationary front and high pressure, there will be minimal changes in the weather tomorrow.  Cloud cover will be clear to scattered.  Temperature will be about the same as today.  If any wind is present, it will be a light wind out of the west until the high pressure moves through.  Precipitation will be unlikely due to the high pressure.

Figure 1.  Current surface map from The Weather Channel.

Minimal Changes

Except for early this morning and late this afternoon, I wasn't able to get outside and make any weather observations.  However, my predictions were fairly accurate based on what I did see.  Early this morning, the sky was overcast with stratus clouds.  The temperature was still cold, but it was still fairly early.  By the time I was walking home late this afternoon, the sky was clear to scattered consisting of primarily cirrus clouds.  Temperature was still very warm, which was supported by the recent snow melt.

A quick glance at Figure 1 might indicate that some precipitation is in store for us in the near future.  However, a closer examination reveals an occluded front, which means that the storm is basically cut off from its energy source. Thus, I believe the storm will have run its course by the time it reaches Eau Claire.  With the low pressure moving through, a light wind should start coming from the SW by tomorrow.  Temperature will be roughly the same as today, possibly a little warmer.  Cloud cover will be scattered to broken. There will be a small chance of precipitation.

Figure 1.  Current weather map from The Weather Channel.

High Pressure

My predictions from yesterday were very accurate due to the high pressure in the area.  For most of the day, the sun was out along with scattered clouds. The clouds today weren't as obvious to me.  After looking through the field guide, I'm still not totally sure.  They were definitely some type of cumulus though since they had the round, puffy features.  However, their changing sizes and patterns threw me off.

The temperature was fairly warm.  However, the position of the jet stream prevented it from being much warmer.  As shown in Figure 1, there is a significant trough in the jet stream.  This trough is bringing a cold, continental polar air mass south into our area.  If the trough in the jet stream moves farther east, then it could bring a warmer, continental tropical air mass north. This would increase the temperature in the area.

Based on the current high pressure, there will be minimal changes in the weather tomorrow.  Cloud cover will remain scattered.  No precipitation. However, temperature will increase due to a SW wind carrying a continental tropical air mass.

Figure 1.  Map of the jet stream from Intellicast.

Minimal Snow

To be honest, today was something of a letdown.  I actually don't mind snow for the most part, and I was looking forward to one more big snowfall. However, this storm fell far below the early predictions.  By the time I got up early this morning, it was already snowing.  It was coming down steadily on my way into school.  However, the temperature was still fairly warm.  As a result, a lot of the snow melted when it reached the ground.

By the time I was walking home late this afternoon, the snow was done falling.  It only amounted to a couple of inches.  Stratus clouds remained in the sky after the snowfall was over.  Light wind conditions were prevalent for most of the day.

Figure 1 shows two high-pressure systems in the general area.  Based on that, I predict a fairly calm day tomorrow.  Clear to scattered sky conditions.  A light N/NW wind will reduce the temperature.  Precipitation will be unlikely.

Figure 1.  Current surface map from The Weather Channel.

Winter Weather Advisory

The hype behind the snowstorm that should be starting shortly started last week, but it has gradually decreased in magnitude this week.  However, the area is still under a winter weather advisory that runs through 6 pm tomorrow. Figure 1 warns that we still might get a fair amount of snow.

When I left the house late this morning, the temperature was fairly warm. Broken cloud cover was allowing some sunlight through, which only helped to increase the temperature and melting of snow.  On my way to work this afternoon, the conditions were overcast.  The clouds were stratus, possibly stratocumulus since I seen some variation in the cloud cover.  On my way home at nine, the snowfall still hadn't begun.

I predict it will begin snowing shortly and continue through the night. However, the snowfall should taper off by the early afternoon.  Temperature will decrease, but it won't get too cold.  Light to moderate winds will be prevalent for most of the day.  After the snowfall ceases, scattered to broken clouds will linger.

Figure 1.  Wednesday forecast from AccuWeather.

Snow?

So my prediction from yesterday was far from accurate.  The only accurate part was the SE wind, which was prevalent throughout the day.  This helped moderate the temperature like I thought it would.  However, we did see some precipitation.  As I arrived at the school around 9:30 this morning, it was beginning to snow.  The intensity of this snowfall gradually increased, and it was coming down fairly good for a while.  However, it didn't amount to much (only 0.3 inches according to The Weather Channel).  The snow eventually stopped in the early afternoon, and a layer of stratus clouds remained for the rest of the day mostly.

As seen in Figure 1, there is still a few low-pressure systems in the area.  The counter-clockwise rotation of the winds in Figure 2 corresponds nicely with these low-pressure systems.  Based on this low pressure, there should be a high amount of cloud cover again tomorrow.  A little precipitation is possible. Temperature will remain mild due to a continuation of wind from the S/SE.

Figure 1.  Current surface map from The Weather Channel.  Low-
pressure system to our SSE.

Figure 2.  Map of current surface winds from Intellicast.
Counter-clockwise rotation prevalent in southern Wisconsin.

More Than It Appears

On my walk to school this morning, the sky was mostly clear with a few cirrus clouds.  The temperature was fairly cold.  This was primarily due to the high-pressure system to our north causing a north wind.  Later on this morning, a few more clouds started moving in from the west.  The most evident clouds I seen were altocumulus undulatus.  I was going to get a picture of them, but they were already in the eastern part of the sky (preventing a good picture with the sun) by the time I was able to get outside.

On my walk home late this afternoon, the sky was overcast with some type of stratus cloud(s).  The temperature was fairly similar to this morning, but a little warmer.  Wind was still coming out of the north.  However, the wind is currently coming out of the ENE.  This makes sense since the high-pressure system is now to our ENE (Figure 1).

Based on the current path of the high-pressure system, the temperature should increase tomorrow due to a SE wind.  Cloud cover will be clear to scattered clouds.  Precipitation will be unlikely.  A light to moderate wind will be prevalent for most of the day.

Figure 1.  Current surface map from The Weather Channel.  High-
pressure system currently centered over the Lower Peninsula
of Michigan.

More of the Same

Just as I predicted, the weather today was very similar to that of yesterday. Both this morning and late afternoon, the sky was overcast.  However, it cleared up a little during the middle of the day according to the weather briefing given during class today.  Temperature was fairly warm, but cooled at times by a light wind.

Unfortunately, I still don't believe there will be many changes in the weather tomorrow.  The sky should clear up a little and contain scattered to broken clouds.  If a N/NW wind is prevalent, the temperature may decrease slightly. Chance of precipitation due to amount of water vapor currently in atmosphere.

Overcast

The first thing I noticed this morning was the cloud cover.  Since I predicted scattered to broken clouds, I was surprised to see an overcast sky.  The temperature was still fairly warm, but it felt a little colder to me compared to yesterday due to the lack of sunlight.  The sky remained overcast throughout the day, and a light wind was prevalent as well.

Figure 1 shows that there is currently a stationary front in the area.  Based on information in the textbook, a stationary front occurs when the cold air mass is neither advancing or receding.  Cold air from the Arctic is flowing parallel to the front, and warm air from the Gulf is flowing parallel to the other side of the front.

Based on the stationary front, I'm predicting minimal changes in the weather for tomorrow.  Overcast or broken clouds will be present.  Temperature will be similar, but there is a chance it will get colder if the cold air mass advances any farther.  Precipitation will be unlikely.

Figure 1.  Current weather map from The Weather Channel.  Stationary
front currently in the Eau Claire area.

The High Pressure Returns

My predictions from yesterday were fairly accurate.  On my walk to school early this afternoon, the sun was shining through scattered clouds.  There was a light SW wind, which helped to keep the temperature fairly warm.  As seen in Figure 1, the Eau Claire area is currently overcast and experiencing a SSE wind at roughly 15 miles per hour.

Based on the current high-pressure system, there won't be many changes in the weather tomorrow.  The sun will be out, but scattered to broken clouds will be overhead.  The temperature should be even warmer tomorrow due to the overcast sky tonight.  Precipitation will be unlikely.

Figure 1.  Current surface map from Unisys.  Overcast conditions
in most of Wisconsin (including Eau Claire).

Snow and More Snow

On my walk to school early this morning, there was a break in the snowfall. However, a light now began falling again by late morning/early afternoon and is still falling at the present time.  A consistent, northeast wind has blown for most of the day.  With the constant snowfall, clouds haven't been observed.

Based on the current weather map below, I predict that there will be no snowfall tomorrow.  The high-pressure system moving into the area will keep the sky fairly clear and let the sun shine through.  The wind will shift and come from the west/southwest.

Current surface map from The Weather Channel.  Current low-pressure
system in the area producing snow will soon be replaced by a
high-pressure system.

Enjoy the warmth while it lasts.

Today was a fairly "quiet" day in terms of weather.  My predictions from yesterday were spot on.  The continental Tropical air mass (see Figure 1) and SE wind kept the temperature very warm.  Cloud cover, highlighted by cirrus clouds, was scattered from this morning through the afternoon and broken later on.

Figure 1.  Jet stream map from Intellicast.  Ridge in jet stream can
be seen over eastern side of US.  This ridge is allowing a warmer,
continental Tropical air mass to move north.

Browsing through my favorite weather websites, I found some good images that pertain to the near future.  Tomorrow's conditions should remain very similar to today.  The temperature will remain warm, and the cloud cover will be clear to scattered.  However, Figure 2 shows that a cold front will be moving into the area in the near future.  This cold air mass will drive underneath the warm air mass currently in the area and push the warm air up. Thus, the cold, dense air will remain here.  This situation is illustrated very well by Figure 3.

Figure 2.  Current surface map from The Weather Channel.  Cold front
approaching from the north.

Figure 3.  Weather forecast from AccuWeather.

Warm and Sunny

My predictions from yesterday weren't very accurate.  The sky was still overcast this morning.  However, it was clear and sunny by this afternoon. The temperature has been warm all day and is still in the upper 30s.  A light to moderate wind started out coming from the southeast this morning and has gradually shifted over to southwest.

Based on the current high-pressure system (see image below), there will be a minimal change in the weather tomorrow.  The sky should be clear or have scattered clouds at the most.  The temperature will remain warm, and a light wind will be present.

Current surface map from The Weather Channel.  High-pressure
system to our southwest.

An end to the increase in temperature?

There was a clear, blue sky this morning.  With a mild temperature and the sun, a hat and gloves weren't necessary.  The Schofield flag indicated a northwest wind, but the conditions were calm overall.  The sky eventually clouded up and was overcast when I went back outside around 4.  The temperature remained in the 30's for most of the day.  Conditions were still calm concerning the wind based on my observation of the Schofield flag.  This contradicts reports made by multiple websites at that time, which indicated that there was a northwest wind of 10 miles per hour.  However, the figure below supports my observation of minimal wind. Overall, my predictions on the cloud cover, temperature, and lack of precipitation were accurate.  However, I thought it would be much windier today.

I looked at some forecasts and seen that a high-pressure system will be moving into the area.  Based on this, I predict that tomorrow will bring a slight decrease in temperature and cloud cover.  Calm wind conditions will prevail, and precipitation will be unlikely.

Surface map provided by Unisys from 4 this afternoon.  An overcast
sky and light west wind are shown in the Eau Claire area.  

Warm Weekend

Temperatures continued to rise this weekend.  Unfortunately, I had to work all weekend and wasn't able to make many observations.  As I was getting to work yesterday, a light snow began falling.  I'm not sure on the duration, but it didn't amount to much overall.  The temperature was still fairly warm with calm to light wind conditions when I left work last night.

On my way to work this morning, the sky was overcast with calm to light wind conditions.  When I left work, the temperature was comfortably warm.  As seen in the first figure below, the current temperature for Eau Claire is still 41 degrees Fahrenheit.  According to The Weather Channel, the wind has increased significantly since earlier this evening.  The wind is currently coming from the west at 21 miles per hour.

The weather tomorrow should be very similar to today.  The temperature will be in the 30's for most of the day.  However, a moderate to strong wind will be present.  This may make the overall temperature feel colder.  There should be a fair amount of cloud cover due to the low-pressure system in the area (second figure below), but a lack of available water vapor will make precipitation unlikely.

Current temperature map from Intellicast.  Temperature indicated
on map with white numbers.

Current weather map from The Weather Channel.  Center of
low-pressure system currently to our northwest.

Changes in the Weather

Finally some changes in the weather to talk about, and I'm happy to say that I predicted them accurately.  Early this morning, the cloud cover was scattered due to a large opening to the north.  However, it turned to overcast by 11:30 this afternoon.  A light snow started in the afternoon and lasted for several hours, but it didn't amount to much.  According to The Weather Channel, we got roughly 0.1 inches.  Concerning the wind, calm conditions prevailed for most of the day.

I think we may get some more snow tomorrow as well.  As seen in the image below, there is a considerable amount of water vapor in the atmosphere over Montana and the Dakotas.  With the current low-pressure system, a source of water vapor moving in may lead to some snow.  Whether we get snow or not, the temperature and cloud cover tomorrow should be very similar to the conditions today.

Satellite image from Unisys illustrating water vapor in the atmosphere.
High amount of water vapor over Montana.

Snow in the Near Future?

My prediction that the temperature would increase today was accurate.  There was calm conditions concerning the wind for most of the day, which helped to moderate the temperature.  However, the sky was still clear.  With the high-pressure system dissipating, I thought there would be more cloud cover today.

As shown in the image below, a low-pressure system is currently moving through the area.  Based on this, we should see more cloud cover tomorrow and possibly some snowfall.  However, the snowfall shouldn't amount to much.

Current weather map from The Weather Channel.

Two bridges. What was I thinking?

On my walk in to school this morning, I decided to take a different route so I could take a picture for the blog.  This new route required me to not only cross the UWEC footbridge, but also the Water Street/Summit Avenue bridge.  It has been a while since I've had to walk across either one of these bridges during the winter.  Needless to say, I received a rude awakening.

The weather for today was right along the lines of what I had predicted.  A clear, blue sky allowed the sun to shine through all day.  A very light to light SW/WSW wind blew for most of the day.  However, there are currently calm conditions concerning wind.  The temperature was a little warmer today overall compared to yesterday.

The temperature should continue to rise tomorrow.  The current high-pressure system influencing our weather is beginning to weaken, which means that we should start experiencing some changes.  In addition to the increase in temperature, the cloud cover should increase as well.  With minimal water vapor in the atmosphere, precipitation will be unlikely.

Current surface map from The Weather Channel.  The high-pressure system
has settled in along the eastern edge of the Rocky Mountains.

Current map of the jet stream from The Weather Channel.  I'm not
exactly sure how to read this map, but I did notice that the dip
in the jet stream and color change is consistent with the location
of the high-pressure system.

Keeping it Cold

My predictions from yesterday were fairly accurate.  The temperature did decrease, and it was around zero for most of the day (although it felt much colder due to the wind chill).  The wind picked up to a strength of light to moderate, and it also switched direction and was coming from the SW this afternoon.  Currently, there is a WSW wind at ten miles per hour.

The sky was also clear and blue for most of the day.  This is due to the high-pressure system to our WSW.  As I learned in class earlier today, pressure systems coming from the Northwest are commonly directed by the Rocky Mountains into the Great Plains.  Over the past couple of days, a high-pressure system consisting of a continental polar air mass has been shifted in this way (see map below).

I'm predicting minimal changes in the weather for tomorrow.  The continental polar air mass will keep the temperature in the colder range, and the high-pressure system will more than likely prevent any precipitation from occurring.  Thus, I expect a sunny, blue sky again tomorrow.

Current surface map from The Weather Channel.  High-pressure
system being directed into the Great Plains by the Rocky Mountains.

Cooling Back Down

After focusing on the big game this past weekend (Go Pack Go), I am back to observing the weather.  Unfortunately, I wasn't able to observe much of anything today.  I went into the school before 6 am this morning.  It was fairly warm despite the clear night sky.

While walking over to Davies for lunch, it felt much colder than earlier this morning.  There was a moderate wind coming from the north, which probably accounted for the reduced temperature that I felt.  As far as the sky was concerned, there was a significant amount of cloud cover.

I'm predicting that there won't be much of a change in the weather for tomorrow.  The temperature will continue to drop, and the wind strength may increase a little.  Minimal chance of precipitation.

Midwest surface map from Unisys.  Weak, northern wind and
significant cloud cover shown for most of Wisconsin.

Another Day in the Grip of a High-Pressure System

I feel like I'm starting to sound like a broken record because yet again, not much concerning the weather has changed since yesterday.  The continental polar air mass is still here, as is the high-pressure system to our southwest. This high pressure has led to a consistent southwest wind bringing in warmer air, which has gradually increased the temperature over the last couple of days.

As I walked into school early this morning, the sky was almost entirely clear and blue to the south.  Most of the sky to the north was covered in a combination of altostratus and cirrus clouds.  Overall, I estimate the cloud cover wasn't over 25% early this morning.  However, that changed to nearly 100% by this afternoon.

On my walk home, the cloud cover had drastically decreased.  I made a point to look at the flag on top of Schofield, and that was barely waving at the time (if at all).  The temperature was fairly warm.

I predict that tomorrow will be even warmer than today.  A warm front (shown in the first map below) has developed to our west, which contains a mass of warmer air behind it.  In addition, a cold front has also developed to our northwest.  Thus, there will more than likely be some dynamic changes in the near future.  The second map (below) shows a concentration of water vapor farther west.  This cold front and concentration of water vapor could lead to some snow late tomorrow or Sunday.

Current surface map from The Weather Channel.  A warm front
has developed to the west and a cold front to the northwest.

Infrared satellite image from Unisys.  Concentration of water vapor
in the Dakotas, Montana, and Wyoming.

Southwest Wind

As I predicted, the weather today was very similar to yesterday.  It did warm up a little more than I thought it would.  The main reason for this increase in temperature was the change in wind direction.  As I walked to school, I took a different route in order to walk by the flag on top of Schofield.  At roughly 2 this afternoon, there was a moderate southwest wind.  This wind consisted of warmer air compared to the cold northwest wind from yesterday.

Cloud cover increased significantly since yesterday.  I estimate it was roughly 40-50% this afternoon.  The dominant cloud type was cumulostratus.

Yet again, I predict a minimal change in weather tomorrow due to the current high-pressure system dominating the central US.  It will still be cold due to the continental polar air mass, but the temperature will be moderated by a southwest wind.  Cloud cover will be similar as well.

Current surface map from The Weather Channel.  This map is very
similar to the surface map from yesterday in my previous post, which
coincides with the fact that there wasn't much of a change in the weather.

A Sunny Sky Can Be Deceiving

The weather today was similar to yesterday, which is what I predicted.  However, the shade of the sky was much more clear and blue.  Cloud cover was minimal, with most of the clouds being cirrus.  The overall temperature was colder (current temperature of -3°F).  Since the sky is currently clear, a significant amount of the heat being released by the surface will not be trapped within the atmosphere.

Based on the current conditions, I predict that the weather will remain in the same pattern.  The temperature may increase a little, but it will still be cold.  Cloud cover will be minimal and precipitation unlikely.

Current weather map from The Weather Channel.  The high-pressure system
in the central part of the US coincides with the Eau Claire area currently
experiencing a southwest wind.

Cold Wind from the North

My prediction from yesterday was only about half right.  It did stop snowing early this morning, but it was much colder than yesterday.  As discussed in class this morning, this drop in temperature is a result of the same storm that brought us the snow.  As the center of the low-pressure system moved to the south of us today, this caused the wind to change from the northeast (direction while snowing) to north (current direction and direction during class this morning according to the flag on top of Schofield).  Wind strength was moderate.

I think the weather tomorrow will be very similar to today but even colder.  There should be no precipitation due to the current conditions in the area.

Current infrared satellite image illustrating water vapor content in atmosphere.

Snow Day

I awoke this morning to discover that it was snowing, and the layer of snow on my car indicated that it had been snowing for at least a little while.  It snowed throughout the day, and I figured that we received at least a few inches of snow.  The Weather Channel has a current estimation of roughly 5 inches.

As the day progressed, I became more and more obsessed with a topic briefly discussed during class last week.  The topic I'm referring to is identifying where we are in relation to the center of the storm by studying the wind direction.  If I recall the information correctly, the center of the storm (low-pressure system) would be past Eau Claire when the wind changed from northeast to northwest/west.  I looked at the wind direction multiple times throughout the day (both inside and outside of Phillips), but I couldn't really make a definite determination.  According to The Weather Channel, the wind is still coming out of the northeast at 10 miles/hour.

I predict that a light snowfall will continue into the night and end early tomorrow morning.  Temperature and wind strength will be very similar to today.

Surface map for the Midwest region.  The counterclockwise pattern
indicates the center of the low-pressure system (I think).