March 29, 2018

Temperature: 33°F
Dew Point: 20°F
Wind: NW 8 mph
Clouds: Clear

Temperature are a little cooler than the 50° weather that we experienced yesterday. Today consists of clear/sunny skies and a high of 40°F for the day with a low of 24°F.

Figure 1. US Temperatures (wunderground.com).

The wind is coming from the NW, where the shift to cooler weather begins. Temperatures will continue to drop into the weekend staying in the low 30s.

Figure 2. Current surface winds (earth.nullschool.net).

The low pressure system to the east has not moved in the last few days. More rain continues and even potentially creating more floods in the south. The low pressure system is continuing to feed the precipitation in the air. Looking as if it will not stop raining anytime soon. 

Figure 3. Current surface map (intellicast.com).

March 27, 2018

Temperature: 36°F
Dew Point: 31°F
Wind: W 12 mph
Clouds: Cloudy

The lower pressure system is continuing to move toward the NE and carrying a cold front with it. Following behind it is a series of high pressure systems.

Figure 1. Current surface map (intellicast.com).

Winds in Eau Claire area are coming from the west beginning to transcend temperatures in the Midwest to cooler temperatures. The cold front is separating the wind directions from the south to the east. On the left side, winds are coming from the WNW and the right side warmer temperatures are moving from the south.

Figure 2. surface winds (earth.nullschool.net).

The areas under the low pressure are still experience high quantities of moisture in the air. Continuing a great deal of rain fall and flooding in certain areas in the south.

Figure 3. United States Colored Water Vapor Satellite (accuweather.com).

With the changing wind direction, adjustment in the jet stream (that is still circulating its ridge in the jet stream), the high temperatures are not going to last in the Midwest. By the end of the week the temperatures will drop back down to low 30s and maybe we could even see some snow.

March 26, 2018

Temperature: 36°F
Dew Point: 35°F
Wind: NE 5 mph
Precipitation: 96%

 Currently, the jet stream is moving to the NE and over the Midwest and is beginning in the SW. There is also a trough forming and cooler temperatures are within this area.

Figure 1. Jet stream at 251 hPa (earth.nullschool.net).

A high pressure system is sitting in the western half of the US. In the areas of low pressure there is a stationary front moving to a cold front and back to stationary.

Figure 2. current surface map (intellicast.com).

This low pressure system is also highly precipitated. Rain continues tonight with a stream from the south to the Midwest.

Figure 3. prevalent weather showing rain (wunderground.com).

March 25, 2018

Temperature: 39°F
Dew Point: 15°F
Wind: SE 10 mph
Clouds: Clear

Temperatures were high today as it is now past the spring equinox (creating more than 12 hours of sunlight a day). The Midwest was experiencing temperatures that were in the mid to high 40s.

Figure 1. Temperature map of the US (wunderground.com).

The jet stream has moved back to the middle of the US and not much change in terms of creating weather events.

Figure 2. Jet stream at 251 hPa (earth.nullschool.net).

A low pressure system is sweeping across the US (predominantly in the lower US) and there is a high pressure system that is moving to the south (currently in Canada). In terms of fronts, there is also a cold front moving through the southern most areas of the US.

Figure 3.  current surface map (intellicast.com).

Based on precipitation and the low pressure, it is predicted that there will be rain tomorrow starting in the Dakota's/SE and moving east. Areas like the SE have already experienced a lot of rain in March and it will most likely continue tomorrow.

Figure 4. US Probability for precipitation in the next 12 hours (wunderground.com).

Spring Break - March 21, 2018

Boston, MA
Temperature: 38°F
Dew Point: 27°F
Wind: NE 16 mph
Clouds: Cloudy
Precipitation: 35%

In the northeast region of the US, there is winds also coming from the NNE. Typically, when winds comes from this direction a weather event occurs. However, a NE storm is not as strong as a NW wind storm. Today, Boston was predicted to have a large quantities of snow originally starting at 12 pm. It is currently 10 pm and there has not been an ounce of snow that fell on the ground. Why?

Figure 1. Current surface winds and temperature (earth.nullschool.net).

 
When there is precipitation in the air, that does not necessarily mean that there will be a weather event. For an area that was predicted to snow for over 24 hours, the precipitation in the air is about 40%. Looking at Figure 2, there is still moisture in the air, however, there is more dry air coming from the south and pushing north.

Figure 2. Northeast Regional Colored Water Vapor Satellite (accuweather.com).

 For areas like Boston, specifically, the reason that there is no snow (compared to some snow like New York City), could be due to the jet stream. Boston is currently in the trough of the jet stream and is not bringing in any new current weather events.

Figure 3. Jet stream at 251 hPa (earth.nullschool.net).

Spring Break - March 19, 2018

Boston, MA
Temperature: 26°F
Dew Point: -3°F
Wind: NW 16 mph
Clouds: Clear

The current surface of the US involves a series of fronts. There is a large cold front moving from the north over the mid to eastern section. There is another cold front that is moving from the west along with an additional high pressure system. There is a low pressure area in the SE by the stationary front, where temperatures are significantly higher than the areas under the high pressure.

Figure 1. Current surface (intellicast.com).

Currently, in the Midwest there is high precipitation. The water vapor is going coming down as snow giving another white blanket to the Dakotas and soon to be Minnesota. More to the south there is a continuation of the precipitation, this block of moisture will most likely turn into thunderstorms and even more snow storms as it rolls northeast.

Figure 2. United States Colored Water Vapor Satellite (accuweather.com).;

The prevalent weather can be shown again in Figure 3. The jet stream is predicted to push the water vapor from the SE to the NE in the next two days creating another potential nor'easter.

Figure 3. Prevalent weather forecast maps (wunderground.com).

March 16, 2018

Temperature: 16°F
Dew Point: 5°F
Wind: NE 5 mph
Clouds: Clear

The jet stream is moving back towards the middle of the US. A circular pattern has been created at the northwest section of the US, creating a series of weather events.

Figure 1. jet stream at 250 hPa (earth.nullschool.net).

There is snow in snow mainly in the NW and a series of rain in the mid to southern section. The south could still have potential for flooding. The southwest is still experiencing a drought with the lack of precipitation going to that area.

Figure 2. Prevalent weather forecast (wunderground.com).

There is a large cold front extending along the middle of the US. The low pressure system is carrying majority of the snow and rain with it. There is also a high pressure system beginning to descend from the north, as well. 

Figure 3. Current surface (intellicast.com).

This leaves us with continued warmer temperatures for anything south of the cold front and cooler temps for the Midwest, Rocky, NE regions.

Figure 4. US temperatures (wunderground.com).

March 15, 2018

Temperature: 31°F
Dew Point: 18°F
Wind: N 10 mph
Clouds: Clear

The jet stream predominantly remains to the south, however it is beginning its descent to the north. There is a ridge that is growing in side to the north over Canada. This should continue the stretch of warmer temperatures.

Figure 1. jet stream at 250 hPa (earth.nullschool.net).

Where the ridge of the jet stream overlies, there is a High pressure system (Canada). Towards the western half of the US there is a large Low pressure area. This also includes a cold front from the west and north and the stationary front in the middle of the two cold fronts.

Figure 2. National Forecast (NOAA). 

Temperatures to the North and west of the fronts are experiencing slighter cooler temperatures than yesterday (which was in the 40s for Eau Claire). South of the front still has the dry air that drives the warmer temperatures up as well.

Figure 3. US Temperatures (wunderground.com).

Mach 14, 2018

Temperature: 42°F
Dew Point: 23°F
Wind: W 9 mph
Clouds: Clear

The jet stream still remains low in the US. There is a ridge in the north mostly covering Canada. Temperatures are fluctuating from yesterday creating warmer temps.

Figure 1. jet stream at 250 hPa (earth.nullschool.net).

The ridge is bringing above average temperatures for the upper west/Midwest. South is predominantly high/warm temperatures mainly where the jet stream is crossing.

Figure 2. Temperature map of the US (wunderground.com).

The warm temperature areas are also receiving very dry air conditions. Anything west of the Rocky Mountains are experiencing high precipitation and getting rain. The Northeast is still receiving effects of snow that began on Tuesday.

Figure 3. United States Colored Water Vapor Satellite (accuweather.com). 

March 13, 2018

Temperature: 26°F
Dew Point: 13°F
Wind: NNW 11 mph
Clouds: Clear

Cooler temperature continue to creep from the north bringing down the cold air of the continental polar in the NNW winds. Meanwhile, over the Atlantic ocean by the NE there is a cyclone growing in strength.

Figure 1. Surface winds and temperature (earth.nullschool.net). 

Areas like Boston and much on northeastern area can expect large quantities of snow. The heaviest snow ranging from 12-24 inches. The Low pressure system that is creating strong winds/cyclone is continuing to strengthen. The cyclone is bringing in warm air that is crashing into cooler temps and creating this winter storm.

Figure 2. Winter storm report for the NE (accuweather.com).

Looking at this precipitation map, the first wave of snow is entering over Maine. You can also see the cyclone that contains dry conditions compared the north of the cyclone where the snow is and most of the precipitation.

Figure 3. Northeast Regional Colored Water Vapor Satellite (accuweather.com).

March 12, 2018

Temperature: 40°F
Dew Point: 16°F
Wind: NNW 14 mph
Clouds: Cloudy

The jet stream in moving over the souther half of the United states. The circled area in Figure 1 indicates the cold air that is moving in known as the continental polar. 

Figure 1. jet stream at 250 hPa (earth.nullschool.net).

The western half of the US (and part of the south) is covered with the high pressure system. While, the area that is in the low pressure system is bringing the cooler temperatures and potential for another snow storm.

Figure 2. current surface (intellicast.com).

The high pressure system contains temperatures that are 60°F and greater. The low pressure system contains cool temperatures from about 15-30°F.

Figure 3. Current conditions temperature map for the US (wunderground.com).

By 2:00 am this evening, the NE will be experiencing the worst of the snow. Gaining multiple inches of snow that will effect travel conditions.

Figure 4. Forecast map of weather events (wunderground.com).

March 11, 2018

Temperature: 37°F
Dew Point: 23°F
Wind: W 1 mph
Clouds: Cloudy

Today, there is a high pressure system moving over the Midwest, with low pressures following the cold front to the south.

Figure 1. Current Surface (intellicast.com).

Looking at the surface winds from the Dakota's to Texas, the winds are coming from the North bringing in the High pressure system and cooler temps than areas below the Low pressure system.

Figure 2. Surface winds and temperature (earth.nullschool.net).

The areas in high pressure do not have as much precipitation in the air. The low pressure areas are still experiencing a lot of rain that has been carrying out through the weekend. 

Figure 3. United States Colored Water Vapor Satellite (accuweather.com).

March 10, 2018

Temperature: 22°F
Dew Point: 17°F
Wind: SE 1 mph
Clouds: Cloudy

The jet stream is moving over the lower half of the US. With a series of cycles, circulating precipitation in the NW.

Figure 1. jet stream at 250 hPa (earth.nullschool.net).

There is a cold front to the west, a stationary front to the east, with an occluded front peaking out to the north in the middle of the US. The occluded front is also where the Low Pressure system is located.

Figure 2. current surface map (intellicast.com).

Looking at the satellite water vapor map, the areas that will most likely get large quantities of rain are the lower west coast, the middle of the US and Gulf coast.

Figure 3. United States Colored Water Vapor Satellite (accuweather.com).

March 9, 2018

Temperature: 32°F
Dew Point: 14°F
Wind: W 3 mph
Clouds: Clear

 The jet steam has a linear trough to the west over the Pacific ocean. The jet stream is moving across the lower half of the US, most likely pulling the trough to the east.

Figure 1. Jet stream at a height of 250 hPa (earth.nullschool.net).

There are multiple different wind patterns over the Pacific and east of the Rocky Mountains. The dominant wind direction is West. But there is still variation where the "lines" are being created.

Figure 2. Surface winds (earth.nullschool.net).

High amounts of precipitation are forming in the same location in the Pacific. With the wind direction moving from the West and the jet stream staying in the lower half of the US, there will not be much happening in Eau Claire this weekend. Most likely clear or partly cloudy skies. That means that the south is going to get high amounts of precipitation this weekend. 

Figure 3. United States Colored Water Vapor Satellite (www.accuweather.com).

By Saturday afternoon, Texas, Louisiana, and Arkansas are going to see large amounts of rain that could most likely lead to flooding.

Figure 4. Precipitation amount for Saturday (3/10) at 1:00 PM EST (www.wunderground.com/).

March 6, 2018

Temperature: 31°F
Dew Point: 25°F
Wind: NE 13 mph
Clouds: Cloudy
Precipitation: 60%

 After the snow event from yesterday, there has been much precipitation in this area. In Figure 1, you can see that the warm air is circling up and bringing cold air down in a spinning fashion over the Midwest. Any time winds are moving from the NE, there is typically snow that follows.

Figure 1. Colored water vapor in North Central Region (accuweather.com). 

The Jet stream has a pocket of cold air over the Midwest where the snow is still circulating. North of it, there i another ridge on top with arctic cold air.

Figure 2. (500) jet stream (earth.nullschool.net).

There is an occluded front in the cycle of cold air over the Midwest. Because the cold air rushed in so fast it cut off the cold front. The low pressure system is also continuing through the east and pushing more snow and rain with it. The east coast and northeast especially will soon be experiencing their second lash of the storm.

Figure 3. Current surface map (intellicast.com).

March 5, 2018

Temperature: 31°F
Dew Point: 20°F
Wind: E 22 mph
Clouds: Cloudy
Precipitation: 95%

There is an odd mix of precipitation events in the Eau Claire area. Most of the precipitation lies west of the low pressure front shown in Figure 2.

Figure 1. Daily Precipiation Map (intellicast.com).

Looking at the surface map, there is low pressure front almost straight down in the middle of the US. On the top of it, a wintery mix was developed. Anything west of the front seems to be experiencing more snow and east is more rain/sleet.

Figure 2. Current Surface map (intellicast.com).

The wind advisories continue today. For Eau Claire specifically, there is 22 mph winds coming from the east. The surface wind map in Figure 3, shows where the westerly and easterly winds collide. This is the same location as the low pressure front described in Figure 2.

Figure 3. surface winds (earth.nullschool.net).

Figure 4 shows the results of the 95% precipiation in the atmosphere. In a matter of an hour, there was rain, sleet (sounded like hail), and snow. Instead of typical snowflakes, the sleet was hard, icy, and circular like tiny little balls (those are the technical terms).

Figure 4. Photo taken by Kayla Coonen 3/5/2018.